Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee — Meeting Packet (January 29, 2026)
Summary
This is the meeting packet for the Florida House of Representatives Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee, Thursday, January 29, 2026, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM in Morris Hall (17 HOB), with Michelle Salzman as Chair. The meeting notice lists HB 483 Manufacturing by Cobb, HB 495 Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification by Albert, HB 675 Affordable Housing by Driskell, HB 827 Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes by Anderson, and HB 1497 My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by Hunschofsky. The HB 483 analysis says the bill creates the Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant Program. An amendment summary for HB 1497 says Amendment #558381 applies the bill's changes only to applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.
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“Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee — Meeting Packet (January 29, 2026).”
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Housing, Agriculture & Tourism
Subcommittee
Thursday, January 29, 2026
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Meeting Packet
Daniel Perez Michelle Salzman
Speaker Chair
Committee Meeting Notice
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee
Start Date and Time: Thursday, January 29, 2026 03:00 PM
End Date and Time: Thursday, January 29, 2026 06:00 PM
Location: Morris Hall (17 HOB)
Duration: 3.00 hrs
Consideration of the following bill(s):
HB 483 Manufacturing by Cobb
HB 495 Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification by Albert
HB 675 Affordable Housing by Driskell
HB 827 Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes by Anderson
HB 1497 My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by Hunschofsky
NOTICE FINALIZED on 01/27/2026 4:30PM by Marks.Amie
01/27/2026 04:30:37PM Leagis ® Page 1 of 1
HB 483
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 483 COMPANION BILL: SB 528 (Truenow)
TITLE: Manufacturing LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Cobb RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Careers & Workforce Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill designates the Chief Manufacturing Officer among the Department of Commerce senior leadership to support
Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem and coordinate education, workforce, and interagency initiatives; creates the
Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Grant Program to fund projects that support small manufacturers and
strengthen the manufacturing workforce pipeline; establishes the Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign to
market manufactured products and inspire future generations to build and grow domestic businesses and
manufacturing operations in Florida.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
None.
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ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill requires the Department of Commerce (Department), in coordination with the Chief Manufacturing Officer
(CMO), to encourage and oversee manufacturing in Florida. (Section 1).
The bill designates the CMO among the senior leadership of the Department to support the manufacturing ecosystem
in Florida. (Section 2).
The CMO is required to perform the following duties related to supporting and promoting manufacturing in Florida:
• Serve as the state’s subject-matter expert on manufacturing.
• Promote and coordinate manufacturing efforts in Florida and identify gaps in state-supported activities.
• Provide strategic direction for interagency and cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• Work with federal, state, regional, local governmental and nongovernmental entities to align priorities.
• Engage with state agencies and water management districts to develop processes, programs, decision
frameworks, and reporting systems.
• Collaborate with the Department of Education, providers, and workforce entities to advance career
pathways, including:
o Supporting curriculum development and career-awareness programs in elementary and middle schools.
o Establishing technology demonstration sites, work-based learning opportunities, and partnerships with
career exploration programs.
o Preserving and expanding high school manufacturing programs, dual enrollment, and industry
certifications, and ensuring course selection and grade point average weighting policies encourage
students to pursue manufacturing tracks.
STORAGE NAME: h0483.HAT
DATE: 1/27/2026
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HB 483
o Funding and supporting regional manufacturing training centers to provide multiple entry points for
careers in manufacturing, including initiatives for underrepresented populations and individuals
reentering the workforce.
• Reenergizing the promotion of manufacturing careers with the Florida Manufacturing Promotional
Campaign using messaging tailored to today’s youth. (Section 2).
The bill requires all state and local governmental entities to assist the CMO to the extent permitted by law and
budgetary constraints. (Section 2).
The Department must prepare a report, in consultation with the CMO and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) on the state’s manufacturing efforts. The report must
be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House by December 15, 2027, and
every two years thereafter, and must describe the strength and economic significance of Florida’s manufacturing
industry. (Section 2).
The bill creates the Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant Program (Program) within the
Department, under the direction of the CMO, in consultation with the NIST MEP. The Program is designed to fund
proposed projects, subject to legislative appropriation, that support small manufacturers with new technologies or
cybersecurity infrastructure and strengthen the workforce pipeline from elementary education through
postsecondary training and workforce reentry. (Section 3).
The Department, in coordination with the CMO and NIST MEP, shall:
• Review applications and select projects that create strategic investments in workforce training and
education partnerships to facilitate the deployment of new technologies or cybersecurity infrastructure, and
expand career awareness across K-12, postsecondary, and workforce training systems.
o Final grant awards are made at the Department’s sole discretion.
• Establish and publish ranking metrics for reviewing grants and awarding them on a competitive basis.
Metrics may include:
o Number of employees,
o Matching funds pledged by the applicant, and
o Expected benefits from the award of the grant.
• Priority must be given to projects with innovative plans, advanced technologies, and development strategies
for small manufacturers across this state and that include at least one of the following:
o Establishment or expansion of regional manufacturing training centers.
o Partnerships with the Department of Education, school districts, charter schools, technical colleges,
and state colleges to support manufacturing curricula, dual enrollment, and industry certification
programs.
o Development of elementary and middle school career awareness programs, including technology
demonstration centers and guidance counselor resources.
o Outreach and training programs targeting underrepresented populations, including workforce
reentry populations.
o Marketing and promotion of manufacturing careers consistent with the Florida Manufacturing
Promotional Campaign. (Section 3).
Applicants may seek funding for workforce development and operations; however, grants may not be used for
salaries, benefits, or general business and office expenses. Grants are administered from the Economic Development
Trust Fund. (Section 3).
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The Department must annually provide a list to the public of awarded projects, describing each project’s benefits,
progress, and alignment with Program goals, and include this information in the annual incentives report. 1 (Section
3).
The bill creates the Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign (Campaign) within the Department and requires
the CMO to administer the Campaign in coordination with NIST MEP. The Campaign is a voluntary marketing
program to promote manufacturing products and businesses in Florida. (Section 4).
The bill requires the Department to:
• Develop campaign logos and authorize the use of such logos by rule.
• Create promotional materials.
• Register Campaign participants.
• Develop in-kind advertising programs.
• Contract with media representatives to distribute promotional materials. (Section 4).
The bill establishes that a person who produces manufactured products may participate in the Campaign only by
registering annually with the Department, and requires the Department to establish by rule the form and manner of
registration. (Section 4).
The bill requires the Department to adopt rules to:
• Implement and administer the Campaign.
• Establish official logos or product identifiers for use in the Campaign.
• Ensure compliance with the Campaign.
• Govern participant registration. (Section 4).
The bill requires the Department to prepare an annual report on the success of the Campaign, which must:
• Include detailed performance measures and outcomes;
• Identify sources of in-kind advertising;
• Report contracts related to disbursement of promotional materials;
• Provide the names of Campaign participants; and
• Other information about the Campaign. (Section 4).
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2026. (Section 5).
RULEMAKING:
The bill delegates authority to the Department of Commerce to adopt rules to implement the Florida Manufacturers’
Workforce Development Grant Program and the Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign.
Lawmaking is a legislative power; however, the Legislature may delegate a portion of such power to executive
branch agencies to create rules that have the force of law. To exercise this delegated power, an agency must
have a grant of rulemaking authority and a law to implement.
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The Department of Commerce has determined that there is an indeterminate fiscal impact on state government
because the newly created Florida Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Grant Program is subject to
1 S. 288.0065, F.S., requires that by December 30 of each year, the Department shall provide the Governor, the President of the
Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a detailed incentives report quantifying the economic benefits for all
of the economic development incentive programs administered by the Department and its public-private partnerships.
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HB 483
appropriations.
A request for a formal analysis was submitted to the Department of Education on December 1, 2025.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
The Department of Commerce has determined that there is no fiscal impact on local governments.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The Department of Commerce has determined that there is an indeterminant positive impact in the private sector
due to the promotional Campaign.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Chief Manufacturing Officer
The Department of Commerce has designated its Deputy Secretary of Economic Development as the Chief
Manufacturing Officer – responsible for meeting with manufacturers to walk through ways Florida can support their
growth, giving presentations on Florida’s interest in growing manufacturing, developing targeted initiatives to grow
manufacturing in the state, coordinating with other agencies such as the Department of Education and Department
of Transportation to support manufacturing, and overseeing the state’s biannual manufacturing report. 2
Manufacturing
Florida’s manufacturing industry has over 429,800 jobs as of March 2025 and is the nation’s 10th largest
manufacturing employer. 3 Since 2019, Florida has increased manufacturing employment by 32 percent 4 and the real
GDP for manufacturing has increased at an annual rate of 4.7%, the fourth-fastest in the nation. 5 Manufacturing jobs
generally pay higher wages than those in other industries. In 2024, the average quarterly wage for manufacturing
employment was $21,722, compared to an average quarterly wage of $18,011 across all industries statewide. 6
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies to
classify businesses by industry type for the purpose of statistical data collection and analysis related to the U.S.
economy. 7 The Manufacturing Industry Cluster is composed of 10 durable goods sectors and 11 nondurable goods
sectors, as follows: 8
Durable Goods:
• Wood Product Manufacturing,
2 Department of Commerce, 2026 Agency Legislative Bill Analysis for HB 483 (2026). On file with the Housing, Agriculture, &
Tourism Subcommittee.
3 Florida Chamber Foundation, 2025 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report, p.12 (July 2025)
https://www.flipsnack.com/flchamber/2025-florida-business-economic-mid-year-report/full-view.html (last visited Jan. 12,
2026).
4 Florida Commerce, FloridaCommerce Announces Florida Manufacturing Industry Gains Jobs for Fifth Consecutive Month, (Apr.
18, 2025) https://floridajobs.org/news-center/DEO-Press/2025/04/18/floridacommerce-announces-florida-manufacturing-
industry-gains-jobs-for-fifth-consecutive-month#:~:text=in%20March%202025.-
,Florida's%20labor%20force%20of%20nearly%2011.2%20million%20increased%20by%2062%2C000,increase%20since%
20first%20quarter%202019. (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
5 Supra note 2, p. 2.
6 Florida Commerce, Florida Quarterly Employment and Wages by Industry, p. 1 (Aug. 2024)
https://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/state-program-reports/2024-state-program-reports/q1-2024-qcew-
release.pdf? (last visited Jan 12, 2026).
7 United States Census Bureau, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), https://www.census.gov/naics/ (last
visited Jan. 12, 2026).
8 Florida Commerce, Florida Manufacturing Industry, p. 2 (2024)
https://lmsresources.labormarketinfo.com/library/pubs/industryprofile/manufacturing.pdf (last visited Jan 12. 2026).
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HB 483
• Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing,
• Primary Metal Manufacturing,
• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing,
• Machinery Manufacturing,
• Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing,
• Electrical Equipment and Appliance Manufacturing,
• Transportation Equipment Manufacturing,
• Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing, and
• Miscellaneous Manufacturing.
Nondurable Goods
• Food Manufacturing,
• Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing,
• Textile Mills,
• Textile Product Mills,
• Apparel Manufacturing,
• Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing,
• Paper Manufacturing,
• Printing and Related Support Activities,
• Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing,
• Chemical Manufacturing, and
• Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing.
Additionally, manufacturing sectors with a high value-added component, such as aviation and aerospace, defense,
microelectronics, medical devices and equipment, marine, fabricated metal products, and industrial machinery, have
helped Florida’s small and mid-size manufacturers grow quickly.9
Under the Local Manufacturing Development Program, a local government may adopt an ordinance establishing a
local manufacturing development program through which the local government may grant master development
approval for developing or expanding sites operated by manufacturers. 10 Local governments may establish
procedures for a manufacturing development program that allows manufacturers to submit and, upon approval of a
master development plan, proceed with development without requiring additional local approvals, except for
building permits. 11 The approval process must be coordinated with the Department. 12 Additionally, the Department
has developed a model local manufacturing development program ordinance to guide local governments that intend
to establish a local manufacturing development program. 13 Currently, only Manatee and Volusia counties have
adopted such an ordinance. 14
Nationally a shortage of up to 1.9 million workers in manufacturing is predicted by 2033 with 65% of manufacturers
already citing attracting and retaining talent as their primary business challenge. 15 In Florida, more than 50% of the
manufacturing workforce is 45 or older, and the industry is expected to be disproportionately affected by
retirements as the workforce ages. 16
9 Department of Commerce, 2023 Florida Manufacturing,
https://www.floridajobs.org/docs/defaultsource/communicationsfiles/2023-florida-manufacturing-report.pdf (last visited
Jan. 22, 2026).
10 S. 163.3252, F.S.
11 S. 163.3252(3), F.S.
12 S. 163.3253, F.S.
13 S. 163.3252, F.S.
14 Department of Commerce, Manufacturing Competitiveness Act Development Approval Program, available at
https://floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/programs/community-planning-table-of-
contents/manufacturing-competitiveness-act-development-approval-program (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
15 Supra note 2, p. 2.
16 Supra note 2, p. 2.
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HB 483
Workforce Training Programs
CareerSource Florida, a not-for-profit corporation administratively housed within the Department, 17 is the statewide
workforce policy and investment board comprised of business and government leaders that helps Floridians enter,
remain in, and advance in the workplace so that they may become more highly skilled and successful. The program
also connects employers with qualified and skilled employees. 18 Workforce training is administered through the 21
local workforce development boards. 19
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program that promotes public infrastructure and
workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by the department and chosen by the Governor to meet
the demand for workforce or infrastructure needs in the communities they are awarded to. 20
National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP)
The MEP National Network is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to small and
medium-sized manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. 21 MEP is part of the U.S. Department
of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 22 The MEP National Network is comprised of
NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto
Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over
1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer
with access to resources they need to succeed. 23
FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in Florida. 24 In this role, it
works with manufacturers to support their needs in supply chain, workforce training and efficient facility
operations. 25 For the past several years FloridaMakes has developed supply chain mapping that it uses to help
current manufacturers, and manufacturers interested in coming to Florida, identify suppliers. 26
Technology Demonstration Centers and Regional Manufacturing Training Centers
Technology demonstration centers are facilities, often housed at an educational institution, designed to showcase
new or emerging technologies, allowing industry partners, stakeholders, and the public to observe innovations in
action and understand their capabilities and potential applications. Regional manufacturing training centers deliver
hands-on, industry-aligned technical training that leads to recognized credentials, helping individuals gain the skills
most sought after by manufacturers and supporting workforce development. 27 There are a number of such centers
throughout Florida, including:
• Indian River State College provides hands-on workforce training in industrial electrical and mechanical
systems, fluid power, robotics, precision machining, and related advanced manufacturing skills. 28
17 S. 445.004(1), F.S.
18 See CareerSource Florida, About Us, https://careersourceflorida.com/ (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
19 Florida Commerce, Local Workforce Development Boards, https://www.floridajobs.org/local-workforce-development-
board-resources/workforce-development-boards/local-workforce-development-boards (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
20 S. 288.101, F.S.
21 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), MEP National Network, https://www.nist.gov/mep/mep-national-
network (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
22 Id.
23 Id.
24 FloridaMakes, About Us, https://www.floridamakes.com/about-us/how-we-help (last visited Jan. 12, 2026).
25 Id.
26 Id.
27 Charlotte County, Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Secures $1.75M Boost,
https://cleared4takeoff.com/southwest-florida-advanced-manufacturing-training-center-secures-1-75m-boost (last visited
Jan. 23, 2026).
28 Indian River State College, Available Programs, Advanced Manufacturing Training (CNC & Automation) | IRSC (last visited
Jan. 23, 2026).
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HB 483
• Vertex at the Florida Institute of Technology provides industry partnerships, applied research, and
workforce development using advanced technology and innovation facilities. 29
• The Polk State Corporate College Advanced Manufacturing Institute provides hands-on workforce training
in electrical, instrumentation, automation, mechanical, and industrial technologies for industry-aligned skill
development. 30
• Florida State University, with its Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education
engages in industry‑aligned advanced manufacturing demonstration and workforce development activities,
including hands‑on tours, professional learning courses, and partnerships designed to expose participants
to advanced aerospace and manufacturing technologies and career pathways. 31
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Project Lead the Way is a nonprofit organization founded by educators in 1997 to equip students with the skills
needed to succeed beyond high school. 32 PLTW supports teachers and students by providing curriculum,
professional training, and resources that allow educators to focus on engaging and inspiring learning experiences. 33
During the 2024–25 school year, PLTW programs operated in approximately 20 percent of PreK–12 school districts
nationwide, including 80 percent of the 300 largest districts. 34 In Addition, PLTW awarded 1,773 grants totaling
more than $18.6 million to schools in 45 states and Washington, D.C., trained 125,501 teachers across its programs,
and reached 12,575 schools and 2,355,471 students through 16,192 programs. 35
PLTW offers the following programs: 36
• Launch Program: Introduces PreK–5 students to concepts through hands-on learning in computer science,
engineering, and biomedical science.
• Gateway Program: Engages middle school students in real-world applications of engineering, computer
science, biomedical science, and skilled trades.
• Algebra 1 Advantage Program: Connects Algebra instruction to real-world applications to strengthen
mathematical understanding.
• Computer Science Program: Develops in-demand computer science knowledge along with transferable skills
such as creative thinking and communication.
• Engineering Curriculum Program: Builds problem-solving and design skills through interdisciplinary,
project-based engineering coursework.
• Biomedical Science Program: Introduces high school students to medical and health sciences to build
biomedical knowledge and transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical and creative thinking,
communication, and collaboration.
29 Vertex, Vertex Applied Innovation Hub at Florida Tech, Vertex Applied Innovation Hub > Vertex Applied Innovation Hub at
Florida Tech | Florida Tech (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
30 Polk State Corporate College, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing | Polk State College (last visited Jan. 23,
2026).
31 Florida State University, InSPIRE, https://inspire.fsu.edu/ (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
32 Project Lead Lead the Way (PLTW), 2025 Annual Report, p.2., PLTW 2025 Annual Report | Career-Connected STEM Impact
(last visited Jan. 22, 2026).
33 PLTW, Our Philosophy for Education, PLTW Approach & Impact | Empowering Future-Ready Learners (last visited Jan. 22,
2026).
34 Supra note 32, p. 2.
35 Supra note 32, p. 3.
36 PTLW, Explore Curriculum, Explore Transformative PreK-12 STEM Curriculum | PLTW (last visited Jan. 22, 2026).
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HB 483
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Curtin Rodriguez
Subcommittee
Careers & Workforce
Subcommittee
Commerce Committee
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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 483 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to manufacturing; amending s. 20.60,
3 F.S.; revising the duties of the Department of
4 Commerce; creating s. 20.602, F.S.; establishing the
5 Chief Manufacturing Officer among the senior
6 leadership of the department for a specified purpose;
7 providing that the Chief Manufacturing Officer is
8 appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
9 Secretary of Commerce; providing the duties of the
10 Chief Manufacturing Officer; requiring all state and
11 local governmental entities to assist the Chief
12 Manufacturing Officer within certain constraints;
13 requiring the department to prepare a specified report
14 and submit it to the Governor and the Legislature by a
15 specified date, and every 2 years thereafter; creating
16 s. 288.103, F.S.; creating the Florida Manufacturers'
17 Workforce Development Grant Program within the
18 department; providing that the grant program is under
19 the direction of the Chief Manufacturing Officer in
20 consultation with the National Institute of Standards
21 and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership
22 organization in this state; providing a purpose for
23 the grant program; requiring the department, in
24 coordination with the Chief Manufacturing Officer and
25 the National Institute of Standards and Technology
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26 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in
27 this state, to review submitted applications and to
28 select specified projects; providing that the
29 department has sole discretion in final grant awards;
30 requiring the department, in coordination with the
31 Chief Manufacturing Officer and the National Institute
32 of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
33 Partnership organization in this state, to establish
34 and publish ranking metrics for reviewing and awarding
35 grants; providing guidelines for such metrics;
36 requiring that priority be given to projects that meet
37 certain criteria; authorizing applicants to seek
38 funding for a specified purpose; prohibiting such
39 funding from being used for certain expenses;
40 requiring the department to administer the grant
41 awards from the Economic Development Trust Fund;
42 requiring the department to annually provide a list to
43 the public of specific information regarding the grant
44 program; requiring the department to include certain
45 information in its annual incentives report;
46 authorizing the department to adopt rules; creating s.
47 288.1031, F.S.; providing legislative findings;
48 defining terms; creating the Florida Manufacturing
49 Promotional Campaign within the department; requiring
50 the Chief Manufacturing Officer to administer the
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51 campaign in coordination with the National Institute
52 of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
53 Partnership organization in this state; providing the
54 purpose of the campaign; requiring the department to
55 take certain actions to promote the campaign;
56 requiring persons who participate in the campaign to
57 register annually with the department; requiring the
58 department to establish by rule the form and manner of
59 registration; requiring the department to adopt rules
60 to implement and administer the campaign; requiring
61 the department annually to create a specified report
62 and submit it to the Governor and the Legislature as
63 part of its annual report; providing an effective
64 date.
65
66 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
67
68 Section 1. Paragraph (m) is added to subsection (4) of
69 section 20.60, Florida Statutes, to read:
70 20.60 Department of Commerce; creation; powers and
71 duties.—
72 (4) The purpose of the department is to assist the
73 Governor in working with the Legislature, state agencies,
74 business leaders, and economic development professionals to
75 formulate and implement coherent and consistent policies and
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76 strategies designed to promote economic opportunities for all
77 Floridians. The department is the state's chief agency for
78 business recruitment and expansion and economic development. To
79 accomplish such purposes, the department shall:
80 (m) Encourage and oversee manufacturing in this state in
81 coordination with the Chief Manufacturing Officer.
82 Section 2. Section 20.602, Florida Statutes, is created to
83 read:
84 20.602 Chief Manufacturing Officer.—
85 (1) There is designated among the senior leadership of the
86 Department of Commerce a Chief Manufacturing Officer for the
87 purpose of supporting the manufacturing ecosystem statewide. The
88 Chief Manufacturing Officer is appointed by and serves at the
89 pleasure of the Secretary of Commerce.
90 (2) The Chief Manufacturing Officer shall do all of the
91 following:
92 (a) Serve as a subject-matter expert for the state on
93 issues related to manufacturing.
94 (b) Promote and coordinate manufacturing efforts in this
95 state and identify gaps across state-supported activities.
96 (c) Provide strategic direction for interagency and cross-
97 disciplinary initiatives to promote and support manufacturing in
98 this state.
99 (d) Work with federal, state, regional, and local
100 governmental entities and nongovernmental entities to align
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101 manufacturing priorities.
102 (e) Engage with state agencies and water management
103 districts to create processes, programs, decision frameworks,
104 and reporting mechanisms intended to support manufacturing in
105 this state.
106 (f) Collaborate with the Department of Education, school
107 districts, charter schools, technical colleges, state colleges,
108 and regional workforce development boards to promote
109 manufacturing as a career path. Such collaboration must include
110 all of the following:
111 1. Supporting curriculum development and career awareness
112 initiatives in elementary and middle schools, including
113 classroom resources, career fairs, and outreach activities
114 designed to inspire interest in manufacturing.
115 2. Establishing technology demonstration centers, work-
116 based learning opportunities, and exposure to manufacturing
117 careers through partnerships with guidance counselors and
118 recognized career exploration programs, including Project Lead
119 The Way.
120 3. Preserving and expanding manufacturing programs in high
121 schools, promoting dual enrollment and industry certifications,
122 and ensuring that course selection and grade point average
123 weighting policies encourage students to pursue, rather than
124 discourage them from pursuing, manufacturing tracks.
125 4. Funding and supporting regional manufacturing training
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126 centers to provide multiple entry points for careers in
127 manufacturing, including awareness initiatives for
128 underrepresented populations and individuals reentering the
129 workforce.
130 5. Reenergizing the marketing and promotion of
131 manufacturing careers in coordination with the Florida
132 Manufacturing Promotional Campaign created in s. 288.1031, using
133 messaging tailored to the interests and language of today's
134 youth.
135 (3) All state and local governmental entities shall assist
136 the Chief Manufacturing Officer to the extent such assistance is
137 consistent with law and with budgetary constraints.
138 (4) The department shall prepare a report, in consultation
139 with the Chief Manufacturing Officer and the National Institute
140 of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership
141 organization in this state, regarding manufacturing efforts in
142 this state. The department shall submit the report to the
143 Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the
144 House of Representatives by December 15, 2027, and every 2 years
145 thereafter. The report must include information regarding the
146 strength and economic importance of the manufacturing industry
147 in this state.
148 Section 3. Section 288.103, Florida Statutes, is created
149 to read:
150 288.103 Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant
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151 Program.—
152 (1) The Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant
153 Program is created within the Department of Commerce, under the
154 direction of the Chief Manufacturing Officer in consultation
155 with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
156 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in this state,
157 to fund proposed projects, subject to appropriation by the
158 Legislature, which support small manufacturers in this state
159 with the deployment of new technologies or cybersecurity
160 infrastructure and to strengthen the manufacturing workforce
161 pipeline from elementary education through postsecondary
162 training and workforce reentry.
163 (2) The department, in coordination with the Chief
164 Manufacturing Officer and the National Institute of Standards
165 and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization
166 in this state, shall review submitted applications and select
167 projects for awards which create strategic investments in
168 workforce training and education partnerships to facilitate the
169 deployment of new technologies or cybersecurity infrastructure
170 and to expand career awareness and preparation for manufacturing
171 occupations across the K-12, postsecondary, and workforce
172 training systems. Final grant awards are made at the sole
173 discretion of the department.
174 (3) The department, in coordination with the Chief
175 Manufacturing Officer and the National Institute of Standards
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HB 483 2026
176 and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization
177 in this state, shall establish and publish ranking metrics for
178 reviewing grants and awarding them to applicants on a
179 competitive basis. Metrics may include the number of employees,
180 matching funds pledged by the applicant, and expected benefits
181 from the grant award. Priority must be given to projects with
182 innovative plans, advanced technologies, and development
183 strategies that focus on workforce development for small
184 manufacturers across this state and that include one or more of
185 the following:
186 (a) Establishment or expansion of regional manufacturing
187 training centers.
188 (b) Partnerships with the Department of Education, school
189 districts, charter schools, technical colleges, and state
190 colleges to support manufacturing curricula, dual enrollment,
191 and industry certification programs.
192 (c) Development of elementary and middle school career
193 awareness programs, including technology demonstration centers
194 and guidance counselor resources.
195 (d) Outreach and training programs targeting
196 underrepresented populations, including reentry populations.
197 (e) Marketing and promotion of manufacturing careers
198 consistent with s. 288.1031.
199 (4) Applicants may seek funding for workforce development
200 and operations; however, grant funding awarded under this
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HB 483 2026
201 section may not be used to pay salary and benefits or general
202 business or office expenses. Grants awarded under the program
203 shall be administered by the department from the Economic
204 Development Trust Fund established in s. 288.095.
205 (5) The department shall annually provide a list to the
206 public of each project awarded a grant, the benefit of each
207 project in meeting the goals and objectives of the program, and
208 the current status of each project. The department shall include
209 such information in the annual incentives report required under
210 s. 288.0065.
211 (6) The department may adopt rules to implement this
212 section.
213 Section 4. Section 288.1031, Florida Statutes, is created
214 to read:
215 288.1031 Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign.—
216 (1) The Legislature finds that there is a need for a
217 campaign to increase consumer awareness of manufacturing
218 activities in this state, to expand market exposure for
219 manufactured products and goods in this state, and to inspire
220 future generations of entrepreneurs, fabricators, and skilled
221 workers to build and grow domestic businesses and manufacturing
222 operations in this state. The Legislature further finds that a
223 campaign that creates a partnership between the state and
224 manufacturers in this state is necessary to promote and
225 advertise manufactured products efficiently.
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226 (2) As used in this section, the term:
227 (a) "Manufactured product" means any tangible personal
228 property or consumer good, whether a durable or nondurable good,
229 that has been processed, fabricated, or produced, often through
230 industrial or mechanical processes. The term includes items sold
231 or leased to consumers.
232 (b) "Person" means an individual, a firm, a partnership, a
233 corporation, an association, a business, a trust, a legal
234 representative, or any other business unit.
235 (3) The Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign is
236 created within the department. The Chief Manufacturing Officer
237 shall administer the campaign in coordination with the National
238 Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
239 Partnership organization in this state. The purpose of the
240 campaign is to serve as a voluntary marketing program to promote
241 manufacturing products and businesses in this state.
242 (4) The department shall do all of the following:
243 (a) Develop logos for the campaign and authorize the use
244 of such logos by rule.
245 (b) Create promotional materials for the campaign.
246 (c) Register campaign participants.
247 (d) Develop in-kind advertising programs.
248 (e) Contract with media representatives for the purpose of
249 dispersing promotional materials.
250 (5) A person who produces manufactured products may
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251 participate in the campaign only by registering annually with
252 the department. The department shall establish by rule the form
253 and manner of registration.
254 (6) The department shall adopt rules to implement and
255 administer the campaign. By rule, the department shall establish
256 the logos or product identifiers to be depicted for use in the
257 campaign for advertising, publicizing, and promoting the sale of
258 manufactured products in this state. The department shall also
259 adopt rules necessary to ensure compliance with the campaign and
260 to govern participant registration.
261 (7) The department shall annually create a report on the
262 success of the campaign, including detailed performance measures
263 and outcomes, sources of in-kind advertising, contracts related
264 to disbursement of promotional materials, the names of persons
265 participating in the campaign, and other information for the
266 campaign. The department shall submit the report as part of the
267 annual report required in s. 20.602(4).
268 Section 5. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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HOUSING, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE
HB 483 by Rep. Cobb
Manufacturing
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
January 29, 2026
Amendment #601509 by Rep. Cobb (Strike-all): The amendment:
• Removes a reference to Project Lead The Way.
• Clarifies the responsibilities of the Chief Manufacturing Officer and the Department of
Commerce (Department).
• Requires the Department to annually publish on its website each project awarded a
grant, the benefits in meeting goals and objectives, and the current status of each
project.
• Removes ambiguous language.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Cobb offered the following:
4
5 Amendment (with title amendment)
6 Remove everything after the enacting clause and insert:
7 Section 1. Paragraph (m) is added to subsection (4) of
8 section 20.60, Florida Statutes, to read:
9 20.60 Department of Commerce; creation; powers and
10 duties.—
11 (4) The purpose of the department is to assist the
12 Governor in working with the Legislature, state agencies,
13 business leaders, and economic development professionals to
14 formulate and implement coherent and consistent policies and
15 strategies designed to promote economic opportunities for all
16 Floridians. The department is the state's chief agency for
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
17 business recruitment and expansion and economic development. To
18 accomplish such purposes, the department shall:
19 (m) Encourage and oversee manufacturing in this state in
20 coordination with the Chief Manufacturing Officer.
21 Section 2. Section 20.602, Florida Statutes, is created to
22 read:
23 20.602 Chief Manufacturing Officer.—
24 (1) There is designated among the senior leadership of the
25 Department of Commerce a Chief Manufacturing Officer for the
26 purpose of supporting the manufacturing ecosystem statewide. The
27 Chief Manufacturing Officer is appointed by and serves at the
28 pleasure of the Secretary of Commerce.
29 (2) The Chief Manufacturing Officer shall do all of the
30 following:
31 (a) Serve as a subject-matter expert for the state on
32 issues related to manufacturing.
33 (b) Promote and coordinate manufacturing efforts in this
34 state and identify gaps across state-supported activities.
35 (c) Provide strategic direction for interagency and cross-
36 disciplinary initiatives to promote and support manufacturing in
37 this state.
38 (d) Work with federal, state, regional, and local
39 governmental entities and nongovernmental entities to align
40 manufacturing priorities.
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
41 (e) Engage with state agencies and water management
42 districts to create processes, programs, decision frameworks,
43 and reporting mechanisms intended to support manufacturing in
44 this state.
45 (f) Collaborate with the Department of Education, school
46 districts, charter schools, technical colleges, state colleges,
47 and regional workforce development boards to promote
48 manufacturing as a career path. Such collaboration must include
49 all of the following:
50 1. Supporting curriculum development and career awareness
51 initiatives in elementary and middle schools, including
52 classroom resources, career fairs, and outreach activities
53 designed to inspire interest in manufacturing.
54 2. Establishing technology demonstration centers, work-
55 based learning opportunities, and exposure to manufacturing
56 careers through partnerships with guidance counselors and
57 recognized career exploration programs.
58 3. Preserving and expanding manufacturing programs in high
59 schools, promoting dual enrollment and industry certifications,
60 and ensuring that course selection and grade point average
61 weighting policies encourage students to pursue, rather than
62 discourage them from pursuing, manufacturing tracks.
63 4. Supporting regional manufacturing training centers to
64 provide multiple entry points for careers in manufacturing,
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
65 including awareness initiatives for underrepresented populations
66 and individuals reentering the workforce.
67 5. Reenergizing the marketing and promotion of
68 manufacturing careers in coordination with the Florida
69 Manufacturing Promotional Campaign created in s. 288.1031.
70 (3) All state and local governmental entities shall assist
71 the Chief Manufacturing Officer to the extent such assistance is
72 consistent with law and with budgetary constraints.
73 (4) The Chief Manufacturing Officer shall prepare a
74 report, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards
75 and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization
76 in this state, regarding manufacturing efforts in this state.
77 The department shall submit the report to the Governor, the
78 President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
79 Representatives by December 15, 2027, and every 2 years
80 thereafter. The report must include information regarding the
81 strength and economic importance of the manufacturing industry
82 in this state.
83 Section 3. Section 288.103, Florida Statutes, is created
84 to read:
85 288.103 Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant
86 Program.—
87 (1) The Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant
88 Program is created within the Department of Commerce, under the
89 direction of the Chief Manufacturing Officer in consultation
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
90 with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
91 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in this state,
92 to fund proposed projects, subject to appropriation by the
93 Legislature, which support small manufacturers in this state
94 with the deployment of new technologies or cybersecurity
95 infrastructure and to strengthen the manufacturing workforce
96 pipeline from elementary education through postsecondary
97 training and workforce reentry.
98 (2) The department, in coordination with the National
99 Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
100 Partnership organization in this state, shall review submitted
101 applications and select projects for awards which create
102 strategic investments in workforce training and education
103 partnerships to facilitate the deployment of new technologies or
104 cybersecurity infrastructure and to expand career awareness and
105 preparation for manufacturing occupations across the K-12,
106 postsecondary, and workforce training systems. Final grant
107 awards are made at the sole discretion of the department.
108 (3) The department, in coordination with the National
109 Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
110 Partnership organization in this state, shall establish and
111 publish ranking metrics for reviewing grants and awarding them
112 to applicants on a competitive basis. Metrics may include the
113 number of employees, matching funds pledged by the applicant,
114 and expected benefits from the grant award. Priority must be
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
115 given to projects with innovative plans, advanced technologies,
116 and development strategies that focus on workforce development
117 for small manufacturers across this state and that include one
118 or more of the following:
119 (a) Establishment or expansion of regional manufacturing
120 training centers.
121 (b) Partnerships with the Department of Education, school
122 districts, charter schools, technical colleges, and state
123 colleges to support manufacturing curricula, dual enrollment,
124 and industry certification programs.
125 (c) Development of elementary and middle school career
126 awareness programs, including technology demonstration centers
127 and guidance counselor resources.
128 (d) Outreach and training programs targeting
129 underrepresented populations, including reentry populations.
130 (e) Marketing and promotion of manufacturing careers
131 consistent with s. 288.1031.
132 (4) Applicants may seek funding for workforce development
133 and operations; however, grant funding awarded under this
134 section may not be used to pay salary and benefits or general
135 business or office expenses. Grants awarded under the program
136 shall be administered by the department from the Economic
137 Development Trust Fund established in s. 288.095.
138 (5) The department shall annually publish on the
139 department’s website each project awarded a grant, the benefit
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
140 of each project in meeting the goals and objectives of the
141 program, and the current status of each project. The department
142 shall include such information in the annual incentives report
143 required under s. 288.0065.
144 (6) The department may adopt rules to implement this
145 section.
146 Section 4. Section 288.1031, Florida Statutes, is created
147 to read:
148 288.1031 Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign.—
149 (1) The Legislature finds that there is a need for a
150 campaign to increase consumer awareness of manufacturing
151 activities in this state, to expand market exposure for
152 manufactured products and goods in this state, and to inspire
153 future generations of entrepreneurs, fabricators, and skilled
154 workers to build and grow domestic businesses and manufacturing
155 operations in this state. The Legislature further finds that a
156 campaign that creates a partnership between the state and
157 manufacturers in this state is necessary to promote and
158 advertise manufactured products efficiently.
159 (2) As used in this section, the term:
160 (a) "Manufactured product" means any tangible personal
161 property or consumer good, whether a durable or nondurable good,
162 that has been processed, fabricated, or produced, often through
163 industrial or mechanical processes. The term includes items sold
164 or leased to consumers.
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
165 (b) "Person" means an individual, a firm, a partnership, a
166 corporation, an association, a business, a trust, a legal
167 representative, or any other business unit.
168 (3) The Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign is
169 created within the department. The Chief Manufacturing Officer
170 shall administer the campaign in coordination with the National
171 Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
172 Partnership organization in this state. The purpose of the
173 campaign is to serve as a voluntary marketing program to promote
174 manufacturing products and businesses in this state.
175 (4) The department shall do all of the following:
176 (a) Develop logos for the campaign and authorize the use
177 of such logos by rule.
178 (b) Create promotional materials for the campaign.
179 (c) Register campaign participants.
180 (d) Develop in-kind advertising programs.
181 (e) Contract with media representatives for the purpose of
182 dispersing promotional materials.
183 (5) A person who produces manufactured products may
184 participate in the campaign only by registering annually with
185 the department. The department shall establish by rule the form
186 and manner of registration.
187 (6) The department shall adopt rules to implement and
188 administer the campaign. By rule, the department shall establish
189 the logos or product identifiers to be depicted for use in the
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
190 campaign for advertising, publicizing, and promoting the sale of
191 manufactured products in this state. The department shall also
192 adopt rules necessary to ensure compliance with the campaign and
193 to govern participant registration.
194 (7) The department shall annually create a report on the
195 success of the campaign, including detailed performance measures
196 and outcomes, sources of in-kind advertising, contracts related
197 to disbursement of promotional materials, the names of persons
198 participating in the campaign, and other information for the
199 campaign. The department shall submit the report as part of the
200 annual report required in s. 20.602(4).
201 Section 5. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
202
203 -----------------------------------------------------
204 T I T L E A M E N D M E N T
205 Remove everything before the enacting clause and insert:
206 An act relating to manufacturing; amending s. 20.60,
207 F.S.; revising the duties of the Department of
208 Commerce; creating s. 20.602, F.S.; establishing the
209 Chief Manufacturing Officer among the senior
210 leadership of the department for a specified purpose;
211 providing that the Chief Manufacturing Officer is
212 appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
213 Secretary of Commerce; providing the duties of the
214 Chief Manufacturing Officer; requiring all state and
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
215 local governmental entities to assist the Chief
216 Manufacturing Officer within certain constraints;
217 requiring the Chief Manufacturing Officer to prepare a
218 specified report and submit it to the Governor and the
219 Legislature by a specified date, and every 2 years
220 thereafter; creating s. 288.103, F.S.; creating the
221 Florida Manufacturers' Workforce Development Grant
222 Program within the department; providing that the
223 grant program is under the direction of the Chief
224 Manufacturing Officer in consultation with the
225 National Institute of Standards and Technology
226 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in
227 this state; providing a purpose for the grant program;
228 requiring the department, in coordination with the
229 National Institute of Standards and Technology
230 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in
231 this state, to review submitted applications and to
232 select specified projects; providing that the
233 department has sole discretion in final grant awards;
234 requiring the department, in coordination with the
235 National Institute of Standards and Technology
236 Manufacturing Extension Partnership organization in
237 this state to establish and publish ranking metrics
238 for reviewing and awarding grants; providing
239 guidelines for such metrics; requiring that priority
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
240 be given to projects that meet certain criteria;
241 authorizing applicants to seek funding for a specified
242 purpose; prohibiting such funding from being used for
243 certain expenses; requiring the department to
244 administer the grant awards from the Economic
245 Development Trust Fund; requiring the department to
246 annually publish on the department’s website the
247 public of specific information regarding the grant
248 program; requiring the department to include certain
249 information in its annual incentives report;
250 authorizing the department to adopt rules; creating s.
251 288.1031, F.S.; providing legislative findings;
252 defining terms; creating the Florida Manufacturing
253 Promotional Campaign within the department; requiring
254 the Chief Manufacturing Officer to administer the
255 campaign in coordination with the National Institute
256 of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension
257 Partnership organization in this state; providing the
258 purpose of the campaign; requiring the department to
259 take certain actions to promote the campaign;
260 requiring persons who participate in the campaign to
261 register annually with the department; requiring the
262 department to establish by rule the form and manner of
263 registration; requiring the department to adopt rules
264 to implement and administer the campaign; requiring
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 483 (2026)
Amendment No.
265 the department annually to create a specified report
266 and submit it to the Governor and the Legislature as
267 part of its annual report; providing an effective
268 date.
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HB 495
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 495 COMPANION BILL: CS/SB 544 (Truenow)
TITLE: Golf Course Best Management Practices LINKED BILLS: None
Certification RELATED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Albert
Committee References
Housing, Agriculture & Natural Resources & Agriculture & Natural Commerce
Tourism Disasters Resources Budget
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill provides legislative findings and intent for the golf course best management practices (BMPs) certification
program (program) and requires certified program participants to abide by the BMPs governing the application of
fertilizer on sod.
The bill provides that the program will be transferred to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services (FDACS) from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) via a type two transfer.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have an indeterminate fiscal impact on state government for costs incurred for transferring the
program from DEP to FDACS.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill moves the provision regarding the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program
(program) to Chapter 604, F.S., General Agriculture Laws, from Chapter 403, F.S., Environmental Control, and
provides legislative findings and intent. The bill provides that, due to the foundational agricultural nature of golf
courses and since the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) oversees best management
practices (BMPs) for sod growing operations and for the green industry, it is appropriate for FDACS to oversee golf
course best management practices certification. (Section 1)
The bill requires certified participants to abide by the BMPs governing the application of fertilizer on sod, instead
of the golf course BMPs. (Section 1)
The bill provides that the program will be transferred to FDACS from the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) via a type two transfer. (Section 2)
The bill transfers all powers, duties, functions, records, offices, personnel, associated administrative support
positions, property, pending issues, existing contracts, administrative authority, administrative rules, and
unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds relating to the program from DEP to FDACS.
(Section 2)
STORAGE NAME: h0495.HAT
DATE: 1/27/2026
1
HB 495
The bill provides that any binding contract or interagency agreement existing before July 1, 2026, between DEP, or
an entity or agent of DEP, and any other agency, entity, or person relating to the program continues as a binding
contract or agreement for the remainder of the term of such contract or agreement on the successor entity
responsible for the program, activity, or functions relative to the contract or agreement. (Section 2)
The bill provides a short title, the "Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Act." (Section 1)
The bill makes conforming changes. (Section 1)
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2026. (Section 3)
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have an indeterminate fiscal impact on state government for costs incurred for transferring the
program from DEP to FDACS.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Best Management Practices
Best management practices (BMPs) are designed to protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution. 1
BMPs are guidelines containing practical measures that can reduce the effects of fertilizer, nutrients, and water use
on the environment and otherwise manage the landscape to further protect water resources. 2 Producers of
nonpoint source pollution within areas covered by a basin management action plan (BMAP) 3 are required to
comply with the established pollutant reductions in the BMAP by either implementing the appropriate BMPs or by
conducting water quality monitoring. 4
Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program
Florida law requires the turfgrass science program at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (UF/IFAS) to coordinate with DEP to administer the golf course BMP certification program. 5 The turfgrass
science program must provide training and testing programs on golf course BMPs and issue certificates to program
participants upon satisfactory completion of the training. It must also review and approve other training and
testing programs. 6
1 UF/IFAS, Best Management Practices, https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/agriculture-best-management-practices/ (last
visited Jan. 19, 2026). Point sources are “any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including any pipe, ditch, channel,
tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, landfill leachate
collection system, vessel or other floating craft from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include
return flows from irrigated agriculture or agricultural stormwater runoff.” Nonpoint sources are not point sources. Rule 62-
620.200(37), F.A.C.
2 Id.
3 Basin management action plans are one of the primary mechanisms that DEP and FDACS use to address the entire pollution
load for a watershed, including point and nonpoint discharges. S. 403.067(7), F.S. A watershed is the land area that contributes
to the flow of water into a receiving body of water. S. 403.031(24), F.S.
4 S. 403.067(7)(b)2.g., F.S. For example, BMPs for agriculture include activities such as managing irrigation water to minimize
losses, limiting the use of fertilizers, and waste management.
5 S. 403.9339(1), F.S.
6 S. 403.9339(2), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
HB 495
A golf course BMP certification expires after four years. 7 A recertification may be issued if, within 30 days of the
expiration, an applicant submits proof of having completed eight classroom hours of continuing education,
including two hours focusing on fertilizer BMPs. 8
A person with a golf course BMP certification is exempt from additional local training requirements and local
ordinances relating to water and fertilizer use blackout periods or restrictions, unless a state of emergency is
declared. The certified person must continue to coordinate with the local government to ensure that he or she
adheres to the comprehensive BMPs for that specific community. 9
A certified person is not exempt from complying with the rules and requirements for BMAPs if the golf course is
located in an area within a BMAP. 10
Additionally, the turfgrass science program may provide the status of certification holders to local and state
governmental entities and is encouraged to create a registry of certification holders. 11
Golf Course Best Management Practices
The golf course industry in Florida is the largest of any state. Florida is home to more than 1,100 golf courses and
more than 48 million rounds of golf are played on those courses each year. 12 It is important to consider how golf
course development and management practices can affect surrounding natural ecosystems. 13 For example, there
are significant environmental concerns with golf course development and management practices that affect soil
and water quality, primarily related to nutrients, pesticides, erosion, sediment, and waste handling and disposal. 14
The implementation of BMPs can help mitigate these concerns and give golf courses an environmental advantage
over other types of urban development. 15
The golf course BMPs guide, which was published in association with the Florida Golf Course Superintendents
Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, UF/IFAS, and DEP, 16 covers the following
topics related to golf course management:
• Environmental monitoring, especially water quality monitoring;
• Environmental concerns during the planning, design, and construction phases;
• Irrigation;
• Nutrient management;
• Turf grass management practices;
• Lake and aquatic plant management;
• Integrated pest management;
• Pesticide management;
• Pollinator protection;
• Maintenance operations; and
• Energy conservation.17
7 S. 403.9339(4), F.S.
8 S. 403.9339(4), (5), F.S.,
9 S. 403.9339(6), F.S.
10 S. 403.9939(7), F.S.
11 S. 403.9339(8), F.S.
12 UF/IFAS, the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and
DEP, BMPs for the Enhancement of Env. Quality on FL Golf Courses, 14 (Sept. 2021), http://flgolfbmp.com/view-the-bmp-guide
(last visited Jan. 19, 2026); Florida Sports Foundation, Golf, https://playinflorida.com/golf/ (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
13 Id. at 20.
14 Id. at 21.
15 Id. at 15-16.
16 Golf Course BMPs, supra note 12.
17 Id.
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3
HB 495
BMPs in the guide include, but are not limited to, the following:
• For design and construction, the golf course should be designed to minimize the need to alter existing
native landscapes and should be located to conserve critical wildlife habitat. 18
• For drainage, internal golf course drains should not drain directly into an open waterbody, but should
discharge into pretreatment zones or vegetative buffers to remove nutrients and sediment. 19
• For reclaimed water, signs should be posted in accordance with local utility and state requirements and
information about the quality of the reclaimed water should be obtained when negotiating a contract with a
utility for reclaimed water and at least annually. 20
• For irrigation system design, the design operating pressure must account for peak use times and supply
line pressures at final buildout for the entire system and rain sensors should shut the irrigation system off
after a certain amount of rain is received. 21
• For nutrient management, nutrients should be applied when turfgrass is actively growing and slow-release
nitrogen fertilizers should be applied at the appropriate time of year, taking into consideration the release
rate of the chosen material. 22
Sod Growing Operations Best Management Practices
Florida’s sod growers provide turfgrasses for golf courses, residential and commercial lawns, recreational areas,
and other uses. In addition to releasing oxygen to the atmosphere, sod farm fields and turfgrass areas can help
filter pollutants from surface water runoff, reduce soil erosion, and provide aesthetic value in a variety of
landscape applications. 23
Sod growing BMPs, as regulated by FDACS, apply to operations engaged in the production of sod, but do not apply
to golf courses, cattle operations, home lawns, athletic fields, or other recreational facilities where turfgrasses are
installed. 24
Green Industries Best Management Practices
UF/IFAS and DEP currently offer the Green Industries BMP program, which teaches environmentally safe
landscaping practices that protect water quality and natural resources. 25 The program was created for people
working in lawn-care and landscape maintenance. Golf course employees are among those who benefit from green
industries BMPs training. 26
Type Two Transfers
The transfer of an existing agency or department or a program, activity, or function thereof into another agency or
department is referred to as a type two transfer. 27
Any agency or department, or any program, activity, or function thereof that is transferred by a type two transfer
will retain its statutory powers, duties, and functions and its records, personnel, property, and unexpended
18 Id. at 35.
19 Id. at 38.
20 Id. at 72.
21 Id. at 78.
22 Id. at 153.
23 FDACS, Ref-17128 Florida Sod Operations 2024 Edition Water Quality and Water Quantity Best Management Practices,
FDACS-P-01330, Rev. 10/24, p. 2, incorporated into Rule 5M-9.002, F.A.C.,
https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/25407/file/Bmp_FloridaSod2008.pdf.
24 Id.
25 UF/IFAS, Green Industries BMPs, https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/ (last visited Jan. 19, 2026); UF/IFAS, FL Friendly Landscaping
Program, https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ffl-and-you/gi-bmp-program/ (last visited Jan. 19, 2026).
26 Id.
27 S. 20.06(2), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
HB 495
balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds once transferred. 28 The transfer of segregated funds must be
made in such a way that the relation between the program and the revenue source is retained. 29
Unless otherwise provided by law, the head of any agency or department to which any agency or department or a
program, activity, or function thereof is transferred may establish units or subunits to which the agency or
department is assigned and may assign administrative authority for identifiable programs, activities, or functions,
to the extent authorized in statute. 30 Further, unless otherwise provided by law, the administrative rules of any
agency or department involved in the transfer that are in effect immediately before the transfer remain in effect
until specifically changed in the manner provided in law. 31
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Curtin Wright
Subcommittee
Natural Resources & Disasters
Subcommittee
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Budget Subcommittee
Commerce Committee
28 S. 20.06(2)(a), F.S. Those statutory powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended balances of
appropriation, allocations, or other funds that are transferred elsewhere or abolished will not be retained in a type two
transfer.
29 Id.
30 S. 20.06(2)(b), F.S.
31 S. 20.06(2)(c), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 495 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to golf course best management
3 practices certification; transferring, renumbering,
4 and amending s. 403.9339, F.S.; providing a short
5 title; providing legislative findings and intent
6 regarding golf course best management practices
7 certification; defining the term "department";
8 conforming cross-references; providing for a type two
9 transfer of the Golf Course Best Management Practices
10 Certification program in the Department of
11 Environmental Protection to the Department of
12 Agriculture and Consumer Services; providing an
13 effective date.
14
15 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
16
17 Section 1. Section 403.9339, Florida Statutes, is
18 transferred, renumbered as section 604.75, Florida Statutes, and
19 amended to read:
20 604.75 403.9339 Golf course best management practices
21 certification.—
22 (1) SHORT TITLE.—This section shall be known and may be
23 cited as the "Golf Course Best Management Practices
24 Certification Act."
25 (2) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.—The Legislature finds
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HB 495 2026
26 that, due to the foundational agricultural nature of golf
27 courses and since the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
28 Services oversees best management practices programs for sod
29 growing operations and for the green industry, it is appropriate
30 for the department to oversee golf course best management
31 practices certification. Certified participants must abide by
32 the best management practices governing the application of
33 fertilizer on sod.
34 (3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term
35 "department" means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
36 Services.
37 (4)(1) To provide a means of documenting and ensuring
38 compliance with best management practices for fertilizer
39 application to golf courses, the turfgrass science program at
40 the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural
41 Sciences, in coordination with the department, shall administer
42 a certification for golf course best management practices.
43 (5)(2) The turfgrass science program, in cooperation with
44 the department, shall:
45 (a) Provide training and testing programs in golf course
46 best management practices and may issue certificates
47 demonstrating satisfactory completion of the training.
48 (b) Approve training and testing programs in golf course
49 best management practices that are equivalent to or more
50 comprehensive than the programs provided by the turfgrass
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51 science program under this subsection paragraph (a). Such
52 programs must be reviewed and reapproved by the turfgrass
53 science program if significant changes are made.
54 (6)(3) To obtain a golf course best management practices
55 certification, an applicant must submit to the turfgrass science
56 program a copy of the training certificate issued under
57 subsection (5) subsection (2).
58 (7)(4) A golf course best management practices
59 certification issued under this section expires 4 years after
60 the date of issuance. Upon expiration of the certification, or
61 after a grace period of not more than 30 days after the
62 expiration date, a recertification may be issued.
63 (8)(5) To obtain a golf course best management practices
64 recertification, an applicant must submit to the turfgrass
65 science program proof of having completed 8 classroom hours of
66 continuing education, of which at least 2 hours must address
67 fertilizer best management practices.
68 (9)(6) A person certified under this section is exempt
69 from:
70 (a) Additional local training.
71 (b) Local ordinances relating to water and fertilizer use
72 blackout periods or restrictions, unless a state of emergency is
73 declared. The certified person must continue to coordinate with
74 the local government to ensure that he or she adheres to the
75 comprehensive best management practices for that specific
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76 community.
77 (10)(7) This section does not exempt a person certified
78 under this section from complying with the rules and
79 requirements for basin management action plans set forth in s.
80 403.067(7) if the golf course is located in an area within a
81 basin management action plan.
82 (11)(a)(8)(a) The turfgrass science program may provide
83 the certification status of persons certified under this section
84 to local and state governmental entities.
85 (b) The turfgrass science program is encouraged to create
86 a registry of persons certified under this section on its
87 website.
88 Section 2. Type two transfer from the Department of
89 Environmental Protection.—
90 (1) All powers, duties, functions, records, offices,
91 personnel, associated administrative support positions,
92 property, pending issues, existing contracts, administrative
93 authority, administrative rules, and unexpended balances of
94 appropriations, allocations, and other funds relating to the
95 Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification program
96 within the Department of Environmental Protection are
97 transferred by a type two transfer, as defined in s. 20.06(2),
98 Florida Statutes, to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
99 Services.
100 (2) Any binding contract or interagency agreement existing
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101 before July 1, 2026, between the Department of Environmental
102 Protection, or an entity or agent of the department, and any
103 other agency, entity, or person relating to the Golf Course Best
104 Management Practices Certification program shall continue as a
105 binding contract or agreement for the remainder of the term of
106 such contract or agreement on the successor entity responsible
107 for the program, activity, or functions relative to the contract
108 or agreement.
109 Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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HOUSING, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE
HB 495 by Rep. Albert
Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
January 29, 2026
Amendment #780959 by Rep. Albert (Line 31): The amendment clarifies that golf course best
management practices (BMP) program participants must follow current program BMP
requirements.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 495 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Albert offered the following:
4
5 Amendment
6 Remove lines 31-33 and insert:
7 practices certification.
780959 - h0495-line31.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:20:56 PM
Page 1 of 1
HB 675
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 675 COMPANION BILL: SB 756 (Davis)
TITLE: Affordable Housing LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Driskell RELATED BILLS: SB 752 (DiCeglie)
Committee References
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Ways & Means Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill makes the following changes to the Live Local Act:
• Increases the time period for which certain rental units must remain affordable to qualify for the zoning
variance from 30 years to 50 years.
• Specifies that any incentives provided by a municipality to a developer must be used for the construction of
affordable housing.
• Decreases the maximum area median income (AMI) used to determine eligibility for the 75 percent ad
valorem tax exemption for affordable units from 120 percent to 100 percent of the AMI.
The bill exempts deeds, transfers, or other conveyances of residential property to (and certain documents executed
by) first-time homebuyers from documentary stamp taxes.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill has an indeterminate impact on the private sector and state government.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
Live Local Act
The bill increases the period of time for which rental units in a proposed multifamily development must remain
affordable to qualify for the Live Local zoning variance from 30 years to 50 years. (Section 1 for counties; Section 2
for municipalities.)
The bill requires that any incentives provided by a municipality to a developer for its affordable housing
contribution must be used for the construction of affordable housing. (Section 2.)
The bill decreases the maximum area median income (AMI) used to determine eligibility for the Live Local ad
valorem tax exemption for 75 percent of the assessed value of affordable housing units from 120 percent to 100
percent of the AMI. The bill does not change the requirements to receive the complete ad valorem tax exemption
for property that provides housing to individuals or families that earn up to 80 percent of the AMI. (Section 3.)
Documentary Stamp Taxes
The bill exempts deeds, transfers, and conveyances of residential property to first-time homebuyers from
documentary stamp taxes. The bill defines “first-time homebuyer” as a person who has not owned a principal
residence during the 3-year period before the date of the purchase, and who is a moderate-income person as
defined in s. 420.602, F.S. (i.e., a person who has an AMI of less than 120 percent). (Section 4.)
STORAGE NAME: h0675.HAT
DATE: 1/27/2026
1
HB 675
The bill also exempts promissory notes, nonnegotiable notes, mortgages, trust deeds, security agreements, and
other evidences of indebtedness executed by a first-time homebuyer in connection with the purchase of a principal
residence from documentary stamp taxes. (Section 5.)
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2026. (Section 6.)
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill has an indeterminate negative, but likely minimal, fiscal impact on state government to the extent the
General Revenue Fund and other state trust funds receive less documentary stamp taxes as a result of the bill’s
exemption for first-time homebuyers.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill’s requirements for certain dwelling units to remain affordable for 50 years, rather than 30 years, has an
indeterminate positive impact on individuals and families who rely on affordable housing programs. A request for
a formal analysis was submitted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation on December 17, 2025.
The bill also has an indeterminate positive impact on individuals and families who qualify as first-time homebuyers
under the bill, as those individuals and families will no longer have to pay documentary stamp taxes when
purchasing and financing a principal residence.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Affordable Housing
Housing is considered affordable when monthly rents or monthly mortgage payments, including taxes, insurance,
and utilities, do not exceed 30 percent of a family’s gross income. 1 Over 2.4 million low-income Florida households
pay more than 30% of their incomes towards housing, which is the maximum amount considered affordable by
experts. 2 Over half of these households, or 1.3 million low-income households, spend more than 50% of their
income towards housing costs. 3 This makes it difficult for those households to save for retirement or emergencies
and afford other necessities such as food and childcare. 4
Eligibility to participate in Florida’s state and federally-funded housing programs is determined by area median
income (AMI) or statewide median family income, which is published annually by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 5 In Florida, the current statewide AMI for a family of four is $95,300 (as
family size changes, the income range also varies): 6
• Extremely-low-income – earning up to 30 percent of the AMI (at or below $28,600);7
1 S. 420.0004(3), F.S.
2 Florida Housing Coalition, 2025 Home Matters Report, p. 1. https://flhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Home-
Matters-Report-2025-V5-DIGITAL.pdf (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
3 Id.
4 Id.
5 See U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Office of Policy Development and Research, Income Limits,
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html#year2025 (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
6 HUD: Office of Policy Development and Research, FY 2025 State Income Limits: Florida,
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2025/2025summary.odn?inputname=STTLT*1299999999%2BFlorida&select
ion_type=county&stname=Florida&statefp=12.0&year=2025 (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
7 Id; see also s. 420.0004(9), F.S.
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HB 675
• Very-low-income – earning from 30.01 to 50 percent of the AMI ($28,601 to $47,650); 8
• Low-income – earning from 50.01 to 80 percent of the AMI ($47,651 to $76,250); 9 and
• Moderate-income – earning from 80.01 to 120 percent of the AMI ($76,251 to $114,360). 10
As of 2025, Florida had only 24 affordable and available rental units for every 100 extremely-low-income renters. 11
In addition, there were little to no communities in Florida that could provide enough housing to support this group
of renters, which is primarily made up of low-income workers, retirees, and people with disabilities. 12
Land Use for Affordable Housing Development
All development, both public and private, and all development orders 13 approved by a local government must be
consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan. 14 The Growth Management Act requires every county
and municipality to create and implement a comprehensive plan to guide future development. 15 A comprehensive
plan is intended to provide for the future use of land, which contemplates a gradual and ordered growth, and
establishes a long-range maximum limit on the possible intensity of land use.
A locality’s comprehensive plan lays out the locations for future public facilities, including roads, water and sewer
facilities, neighborhoods, parks, schools, and commercial and industrial developments. A comprehensive plan is
made up of 10 required elements, each laying out regulations for a different facet of development. 16
The future land use element designates proposed future general distribution, location, and extent of the uses of
land. Specified use designations include those for residential, commercial, industry, agriculture, recreation,
conservation, education, and public facilities. The approximate acreage and the general range of density or
intensity of use must be provided for each land use category. 17 The specific use and intensities for specific parcels
are decided by a more detailed, implementing zoning map. 18
The housing element sets forth guidelines and strategies for the creation and preservation of affordable housing
for all current and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction, elimination of substandard housing conditions,
provision of adequate sites for future housing, and distribution of housing for a range of incomes and types. 19
A comprehensive plan is implemented through the adoption of land development regulations 20 that are consistent
with the plan and that contain specific and detailed provisions necessary to implement the plan. 21 Such regulations
8 Supra note 6; see also s. 420.0004(17), F.S.
9 Supra note 6; see also s. 420.0004(11), F.S.
10 Supra note 6; see also s. 420.0004(12), F.S.
11 Supra note 2, at p. 2.
12 Id.
13 “Development order” means any order granting, denying, or granting with conditions an application for a development
permit. See s. 163.3164(15), F.S. “Development permit” includes any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval,
rezoning, certification, special exception, variance, or any other official action of local government having the effect of
permitting the development of land. See s. 163.3164(16), F.S.
14 S. 163.3194(3), F.S.
15 S. 163.3167(2), F.S.
16 S. 163.3177(6), F.S. The 10 required elements include capital improvements; future land use plan; transportation; general
sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, and natural groundwater aquifer recharge; conservation; recreation and
open space; housing; coastal management; intergovernmental coordination; and property rights. Throughout statutes exist
plans and programs that may be added as optional elements.
17 S. 163.3177(6)(a), F.S.
18 Richard Grosso, A Guide to Development Order "Consistency" Challenges Under Florida Statutes Section 163.3215, 34 J.
Envtl. L. & Litig. 129, 154 (2019) citing Brevard Cty. v. Snyder, 627 So. 2d 469, 475 (Fla. 1993).
19 S. 163.3177(6)(f), F.S.
20 “Land development regulations” means ordinances enacted by governing bodies for the regulation of any aspect of
development and includes any local government zoning, rezoning, subdivision, building construction, or sign regulations or
any other regulations controlling the development of land…. See s. 163.3164(26), F.S.
21 S. 163.3202, F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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HB 675
must, among other requirements, regulate the subdivision of land and the use of land for the land use categories in
the land use element of the comprehensive plan. 22 Substantially affected persons have the right to maintain
administrative actions that ensure land development regulations are implemented and consistent with the
comprehensive plan. 23
Development that does not conform to the comprehensive plan may not be approved by a local government unless
the local government first amends its comprehensive plan. State law requires a proposed comprehensive plan
amendment to receive two public hearings, the first held by the local planning board and the second held by the
governing board. 24 Following the hearings, the local government must transmit the plan to several statutorily
identified agencies, including the Department of Commerce as the state land planning agency, for review. 25 Most
plan amendments are placed into the expedited state review process, while plan amendments relating to large-
scale developments are placed into the state coordinated review process. 26
Live Local Act
The Live Local Act (Act), which became law in 2023, preempts certain county and municipal zoning and land use
decisions to encourage development of affordable multifamily rental housing in targeted land use areas. 27
Specifically, counties and municipalities must allow a multifamily or mixed-use residential 28 rental development in
any area zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, and in portions of any flexibly zoned area such as a
planned unit development permitted for commercial, industrial, or mixed use, if at least 40 percent of the
residential units in the development are rental units that, for a period of at least 30 years, meet certain affordability
requirements. 29
Local governments are prohibited from restricting the density 30 of a proposed development below the highest
density currently allowed (or the highest allowed on July 1, 2023) on land within its jurisdiction where residential
development is allowed 31 and may not restrict the floor area ratio 32 of a proposed development below 150 percent
of the highest floor area ratio currently allowed (or the highest allowed on July 1, 2023) on land within its
jurisdiction where residential development is allowed. 33
Local governments are also prohibited from restricting the height of a proposed development below the highest
height currently allowed (or the highest allowed on July 1, 2023) for a commercial or residential building located in
its jurisdiction within one mile of the proposed development or three stories, whichever is higher. 34 However, a
local government may restrict the height of a proposed development if:
22 Id.
23 S. 163.3213, F.S.
24 Ss. 163.3174(4)(a) and 163.3184, F.S.
25 S. 163.3184, F.S.
26 See ss. 163.3184 and 380.06, F.S. In the Expedited State Review Process, the Department of Commerce reviews and approves
or amends the proposed comprehensive plan amendment. This process can take 4 to 6 months. The State Coordinated Review
Process is a more thorough, complex, multi-phase process. For more information, see https://floridajobs.org/community-
planning-and-development/programs/community-planning-table-of-contents/amendments-that-must-follow-the-state-
coordinated-review-process-procedures-and-timeframes (last visited Jan. 23, 2026).
27 Ch. 2023-17, ss. 3, 5, Laws of Fla., codified as ss. 125.01055(7) and 166.04151(7), F.S.
28 For mixed-use residential projects, at least 65 percent of the total square footage must be used for residential purposes;
local governments may not require that more than 10 percent of the total square footage be used for nonresidential purposes.
Ss. 125.01055(7)(a) and 166.04151(7)(a), F.S.
29 Ss. 125.01055(7)(a) and 166.04151(7)(a), F.S.
30 “Density” means an objective measurement of the number of people or residential units allowed per unit of land, such as
residents or employees per acre. See s. 163.3164(12), F.S.
31 Ss. 125.01055(7)(b) and 166.04151(7)(b), F.S.
32 For purposes of these provisions, “floor area ratio” includes floor lot ratio and lot coverage. Ss. 125.01055(7)(c) and
166.04151(7)(c), F.S.
33 Ss. 125.01055(7)(c) and 166.04151(7)(c), F.S.
34 Ss. 125.01055(7)(d)1. and 166.04151(7)(d)1., F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
HB 675
• The proposed development is adjacent to, on two or more sides, a parcel zoned for single-family residential
in a single-family residential development with at least 25 contiguous single-family homes, in which case
the local government may restrict the height of the proposed development to 150 percent of the tallest
building on any property adjacent to the proposed development, the highest height currently allowed (or
the highest allowed on July 1, 2023) for the property provided in the local government’s land development
regulations, or three stories, whichever is higher, but not to exceed 10 stories; 35 or
• The proposed development is on a parcel with a contributing structure or building within a historic district
listed in the National Register of Historic Places 36 (Register) before January 1, 2000, or is on a parcel with a
structure or building individually listed in the Register, in which case a local government may restrict the
height of the proposed development to the highest height currently allowed (or the highest allowed on July
1, 2023) for a commercial or residential building within three-fourths of a mile of the proposed
development or 3 stories, whichever is higher. 37
An application for a development authorized by the Act must be administratively approved without further action
by the governing body of the local government or any quasi-judicial or administrative board or reviewing body,
provided the development satisfies the local government’s land development regulations for multifamily
developments in areas zoned for such use and is otherwise consistent with the jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan,
with the exception of provisions establishing density, floor area ratios, height, and land use requirements. 38
Under the Act, local governments are required, upon request of an applicant, to reduce parking requirements for a
proposed development by 15 percent if the development:
• Is located within one-quarter mile of a transit stop, as defined in the local government’s land development
code, and the transit stop is accessible from the development;
• Is located within one-half mile of a major transportation hub that is accessible from the proposed
development by safe, pedestrian-friendly means, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, elevated pedestrian or bike
paths, or other multimodal design features; or
• Has available parking within 600 feet of the proposed development, which may consist of options such as
on-street parking, parking lots, or parking garages available for use by residents of the proposed
development. 39
The provisions of the Act described above do not apply to airport-impacted areas, 40 recreational and commercial
waterfronts in industrial areas, 41 the Wekiva Study Area, 42 or the Everglades Protection Area. 43, 44
35 Ss. 125.01055(7)(d)2. and 166.04151(7)(d)2., F.S.
36 The National Register of Historic Places (Register) is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Register is maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) as
a part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s
historic and archeological resources. As of May 13, 2025, over 100,000 places have been listed in the Register for their
significance in American history, art, architecture, engineering, and culture. See NPS, What is the National Register of Historic
Places? https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm (last visited Jan. 7, 206); see also, NPS, National Register of
Historic Places: Program Updates May 13, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/program-updates.htm (last
visited Jan. 23, 2026).
37 Ss. 125.01055(7)(d)3. and 166.04151(7)(d)3.
38 However, if a proposed development is on a parcel with a contributing structure or building within a historic district which
was listed in the Register before January 1, 2000, or is on a parcel with a structure or building individually listed in the
Register, the local government may administratively require the proposed development to comply with local regulations
relating to architectural design, such as façade replication, provided it does not affect height, floor area ratio, or density of the
proposed development. Ss. 125.01055(7)(e) and 166.04151(7)(e), F.S.
39 A local government, however, may not require that the available parking compensate for the reduction in parking
requirements. Ss. 125.01055(7)(f)1. and 166.04151(7)(f)1., F.S.
40 See s. 333.03, F.S.
41 See s. 342.201(2)(b), F.S.
42 See s. 369.316, F.S.
43 See s. 373.4592(2), F.S.
44 Ss. 125.01055(7)(o) and 166.04151(7)(o), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
HB 675
These provisions of the Act are effective until October 1, 2033. 45
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing
The ad valorem tax or “property tax” is an annual tax levied by counties, municipalities, school districts, and some
special districts. The tax is based on the taxable value of property as of January 1 of each year. 46 The property
appraiser annually determines the “just value” 47 of property within the taxing jurisdiction and then applies
relevant exclusions, assessment limitations, and exemptions to determine the property’s “taxable value.” 48 Tax bills
are mailed in November of each year based on the previous January 1 valuation, and payment is due by March 31
of the following year.
The Florida Constitution prohibits the state from levying ad valorem taxes, 49 and it limits the Legislature’s
authority to provide for property valuations at less than just value, unless expressly authorized. 50
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Newly Constructed Affordable Housing
The Act established a new ad valorem tax exemption for owners of newly constructed multifamily rental
developments who use a portion of the development to provide affordable housing. 51 Eligible property includes
units in a newly constructed multifamily development containing more than 70 units dedicated to housing natural
persons or families below certain income thresholds. 52 However, units subject to an agreement with the Florida
Housing Finance Corporation (Corporation) are not eligible for the exemption. 53
“Newly constructed” is defined as an improvement substantially completed within five years before the property
owner’s first application for a certification notice. 54 The units must be occupied by such individuals or families and
rent limited so as to provide affordable housing at either the 80 or 120 percent AMI threshold. 55 Rent for such units
may not exceed 90 percent of the fair market value of rent as determined by a rental market study. 56
Qualified property used to provide affordable housing at the 80 to 120 percent AMI threshold receives an
exemption of 75 percent of the assessed value of the affordable units, while such property providing affordable
housing up to the 80 percent AMI threshold receives a complete ad valorem tax exemption for the affordable
units. 57 When determining the value of a unit for purposes of applying an exemption, the property appraiser must
include in such valuation the proportionate share of the residential common areas, including the land, fairly
attributable to the unit. 58
45 Ss. 125.01055(7)(p) and 166.04151(7)(p), F.S.
46 Both real property and tangible personal property are subject to tax. S. 192.001(12), F.S., defines “real property” as land,
buildings, fixtures, and all other improvements to land. S. 192.001(11)(d), F.S., defines “tangible personal property” as all
goods, chattels, and other articles of value capable of manual possession and whose chief value is intrinsic to the article itself.
47 Property must be valued at “just value” for purposes of property taxation, unless the Florida Constitution provides
otherwise. FLA. CONST. art VII, s. 4. Just value has been interpreted by the courts to mean the fair market value that a willing
buyer would pay a willing seller for the property in an arm’s-length transaction. See Walter v. Shuler, 176 So. 2d 81 (Fla. 1965);
Deltona Corp. v. Bailey, 336 So. 2d 1163 (Fla. 1976); Southern Bell Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Dade Cnty., 275 So. 2d 4 (Fla. 1973).
48 See s. 192.001(2) and (16), F.S.
49 FLA. CONST. art. VII, s. 1(a).
50 See FLA. CONST. art. VII, s. 4.
51 Ch. 2023-17, s. 8, Laws of Fla., codified as s. 196.1978(3), F.S.
52 S. 196.1978(3)(b), F.S.
53 S. 196.1978(3)(j), F.S.
54 S. 196.1978(3)(a)2., F.S.
55 S. 196.1978(3)(b)1., F.S.
56 S. 196.1978(3)(b)3., F.S.
57 S. 196.1978(3)(d)1., F.S.
58 S. 196.1978(3)(d)2., F.S.
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6
HB 675
To receive this exemption, a property owner must apply by March 1 to the property appraiser, accompanied by a
certification notice from the Corporation. 59 To receive the Corporation’s certification, a property owner must
submit a request on a form including the most recent market study, which must have been conducted by an
independent certified general appraiser in the preceding three years, a list of units for which the exemption is
sought, the rent amount received for each unit, and a sworn statement restricting the property for a period of not
less than three years to provide affordable housing. 60
The certification process is administered within the Corporation. The Corporation is responsible for publishing the
deadline for submission, reviewing each request, sending certification notices to both the successful property
owner and the appropriate property appraiser, and notifying unsuccessful property owners and providing reasons
for the denial. 61
This exemption first applied to the 2024 tax roll and will expire on December 31, 2059.
Developer Incentives to Provide Affordable Housing
Florida law authorizes local governments to adopt any law, ordinance, rule, or other measure that aims to increase
the supply of affordable housing using land use mechanisms such as inclusionary housing or linkage fee
ordinances. 62
An inclusionary housing ordinance may require a developer to provide a specified number or percentage of
affordable housing units to be included in a development or allow a developer to contribute to a housing fund or
other alternatives in lieu of building the units. 63 An affordable housing linkage fee ordinance may require the
payment of a flat or percentage-based fee, which may be calculated on the basis of the number of approved
dwelling units, the amount of approved square footage, or otherwise. 64
In exchange for a developer fulfilling the requirements of an inclusionary housing ordinance or affordable housing
linkage fee, a local government must provide incentives to fully offset all costs to the developer of its affordable
housing contribution or linkage fee. 65 Such incentives may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Allowing the developer density or intensity bonus incentives or more floor space than allowed under the
current or proposed future land use designation or zoning;
• Reducing or waiving fees, such as impact fees or water and sewer charges; or
• Granting other incentives. 66
Documentary Stamp Tax
The documentary stamp tax imposes an excise tax on deeds or other documents that convey an interest in Florida
real property. The tax comprises two taxes imposed on different bases at different tax rates. The first tax rate is 70
cents on each $100 of consideration for deeds, instruments, or writings whereby lands or other real property or
interests are granted, assigned, transferred, conveyed, or vested in a purchaser. 67 The second tax rate is 35 cents
per each $100 of consideration for certificates of indebtedness, promissory notes, wage assignments, and retail
charge account agreements. 68 Revenue collected from the documentary stamp tax is divided between the General
Revenue Fund and various trust funds 69 according to the statutory formula established in s. 201.15, F.S.
59 S. 196.1978(3)(e), F.S.
60 S. 196.1978(3)(f), F.S.
61 S. 196.1978(3)(g), F.S.
62 Ss. 125.01055(1) and 166.04151(1), F.S.
63 Ss. 125.01055(2) and 166.04151(2), F.S.
64 Ss. 125.01055(3) and 166.04151(3), F.S.
65 Ss. 125.01055(4) and 166.04151(4), F.S.
66 Ss. 125.01055(4)(a)–(c) and 166.04151(4)(a)–(c), F.S.
67 S. 201.02, F.S.
68 Ss. 201.07 and 201.08, F.S.
69 The Land Acquisition Trust Fund, the State Transportation Trust Fund, the State Economic Enhancement and Development
Trust Fund, the General Inspection Trust Fund, the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund, the Resilient
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
7
HB 675
Definition of “First-Time Homebuyer”
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 70 defines “first-time homebuyer” as any individual if such individual (and if
married, such individual’s spouse) had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3-year
period ending on the date of the purchase of a principal residence. 71
RECENT LEGISLATION:
YEAR BILL #/SUBJECT HOUSE/SENATE SPONSOR(S) OTHER INFORMATION
2023 CS/CS/HB 627 Busatta, Lopez, V./ Calatayud Approved by the Governor. Created the
Live Local Act.
2024 CS/CS/HB 1239 Lopez, V./ Calatayud Approved by the Governor. Made certain
changes to the Live Local Act.
2025 CS/CS/CS/HB 943 Lopez, V./ Calatayud Approved by the Governor. Made
additional changes to the Live Local Act.
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Curtin Fletcher
Subcommittee
Ways & Means Committee
Commerce Committee
Florida Trust Fund, the State Housing Trust Fund, the Local Government Housing Trust Fund, and the Grants and Donations
Trust Fund in the Department of Commerce.
70 26 U.S.C. § 1, et al.
71 26 U.S.C. § 36(c)(1).
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
8
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 675 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to affordable housing; amending s.
3 125.010555, F.S.; revising upwards the length of time
4 that certain rental units must remain affordable in
5 order to qualify for a specified zoning variance;
6 amending s. 166.04151, F.S.; requiring certain
7 incentives be used for the construction of affordable
8 housing; revising upwards the length of time that
9 certain rental units must remain affordable in order
10 to qualify for a specified zoning variance; amending
11 s. 196.1978, F.S.; revising downward the maximum
12 median income used to determine eligibility for
13 certain tax incentives; amending s. 201.02, F.S.;
14 specifying that documentary stamp taxes do not apply
15 to deeds, transfers, or conveyances of residential
16 property to first-time homebuyers; defining the term
17 "first-time homebuyer"; amending s. 201.08, F.S.;
18 specifying that documentary stamp taxes do not apply
19 to certain documents executed by a first-time
20 homebuyer in connection with the purchase of a
21 principal residence; defining the term "first-time
22 homebuyer"; providing an effective date.
23
24 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
25
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HB 675 2026
26 Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section
27 125.01055, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
28 125.01055 Affordable housing.—
29 (7)(a) A county must authorize multifamily and mixed-use
30 residential as allowable uses in any area zoned for commercial,
31 industrial, or mixed use, and in portions of any flexibly zoned
32 area such as a planned unit development permitted for
33 commercial, industrial, or mixed use, if at least 40 percent of
34 the residential units in a proposed multifamily development are
35 rental units that, for a period of at least 50 30 years, are
36 affordable as defined in s. 420.0004. Notwithstanding any other
37 law, local ordinance, or regulation to the contrary, a county
38 may not require a proposed multifamily development to obtain a
39 zoning or land use change, special exception, conditional use
40 approval, variance, transfer of density or development units,
41 amendment to a development of regional impact, or comprehensive
42 plan amendment for the building height, zoning, and densities
43 authorized under this subsection. For mixed-use residential
44 projects, at least 65 percent of the total square footage must
45 be used for residential purposes. The county may not require
46 that more than 10 percent of the total square footage of such
47 mixed-use residential projects be used for nonresidential
48 purposes.
49 Section 2. Subsection (4) and paragraph (a) of subsection
50 (7) of section 166.04151, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
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51 166.04151 Affordable housing.—
52 (4) In exchange for a developer fulfilling the
53 requirements of subsection (2) or, for residential or mixed-use
54 residential development, the requirements of subsection (3), a
55 municipality must provide incentives to fully offset all costs
56 to the developer of its affordable housing contribution or
57 linkage fee. Such incentives may include, but are not limited
58 to:
59 (a) Allowing the developer density or intensity bonus
60 incentives or more floor space than allowed under the current or
61 proposed future land use designation or zoning;
62 (b) Reducing or waiving fees, such as impact fees or water
63 and sewer charges; or
64 (c) Granting other incentives.
65
66 Any incentives provided under this subsection must be used for
67 the construction of affordable housing.
68 (7)(a) A municipality must authorize multifamily and
69 mixed-use residential as allowable uses in any area zoned for
70 commercial, industrial, or mixed use, and in portions of any
71 flexibly zoned area such as a planned unit development permitted
72 for commercial, industrial, or mixed use, if at least 40 percent
73 of the residential units in a proposed multifamily development
74 are rental units that, for a period of at least 50 30 years, are
75 affordable as defined in s. 420.0004. Notwithstanding any other
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76 law, local ordinance, or regulation to the contrary, a
77 municipality may not require a proposed multifamily development
78 to obtain a zoning or land use change, special exception,
79 conditional use approval, variance, transfer of density or
80 development units, amendment to a development of regional
81 impact, amendment to a municipal charter, or comprehensive plan
82 amendment for the building height, zoning, and densities
83 authorized under this subsection. For mixed-use residential
84 projects, at least 65 percent of the total square footage must
85 be used for residential purposes. The municipality may not
86 require that more than 10 percent of the total square footage of
87 such mixed-use residential projects be used for nonresidential
88 purposes.
89 Section 3. Paragraphs (d) and (o) of subsection (3) of
90 section 196.1978, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
91 196.1978 Affordable housing property exemption.—
92 (3)
93 (d)1. The property appraiser shall exempt:
94 a. Seventy-five percent of the assessed value of the units
95 in multifamily projects that meet the requirements of this
96 subsection and are used to house natural persons or families
97 whose annual household income is greater than 80 percent but not
98 more than 100 120 percent of the median annual adjusted gross
99 income for households within the metropolitan statistical area
100 or, if not within a metropolitan statistical area, within the
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101 county in which the person or family resides; and
102 b. From ad valorem property taxes the units in multifamily
103 projects that meet the requirements of this subsection and are
104 used to house natural persons or families whose annual household
105 income does not exceed 80 percent of the median annual adjusted
106 gross income for households within the metropolitan statistical
107 area or, if not within a metropolitan statistical area, within
108 the county in which the person or family resides.
109 2. When determining the value of a unit for purposes of
110 applying an exemption pursuant to this paragraph, the property
111 appraiser must include in such valuation the proportionate share
112 of the residential common areas, including the land, fairly
113 attributable to such unit.
114 (o)1. Beginning with the 2025 tax roll, a taxing authority
115 may elect, upon adoption of an ordinance or resolution approved
116 by a two-thirds vote of the governing body, not to exempt
117 property under sub-subparagraph (d)1.a. located in a county
118 specified pursuant to subparagraph 2., subject to the conditions
119 of this paragraph.
120 2. A taxing authority must make a finding in the ordinance
121 or resolution that the most recently published Shimberg Center
122 for Housing Studies Annual Report, prepared pursuant to s.
123 420.6075, identifies that a county that is part of the
124 jurisdiction of the taxing authority is within a metropolitan
125 statistical area or region where the number of affordable and
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126 available units in the metropolitan statistical area or region
127 is greater than the number of renter households in the
128 metropolitan statistical area or region for the category
129 entitled "0-100 120 percent AMI."
130 3. An election made pursuant to this paragraph may apply
131 only to the ad valorem property tax levies imposed within a
132 county specified pursuant to subparagraph 2. by the taxing
133 authority making the election.
134 4. The ordinance or resolution must take effect on the
135 January 1 immediately succeeding adoption and shall expire on
136 the second January 1 after the January 1 in which the ordinance
137 or resolution takes effect. The ordinance or resolution may be
138 renewed prior to its expiration pursuant to this paragraph.
139 5. The taxing authority proposing to make an election
140 under this paragraph must advertise the ordinance or resolution
141 or renewal thereof pursuant to the requirements of s. 50.011(1)
142 prior to adoption.
143 6. The taxing authority must provide to the property
144 appraiser the adopted ordinance or resolution or renewal thereof
145 by the effective date of the ordinance or resolution or renewal
146 thereof.
147 7. Notwithstanding an ordinance or resolution or renewal
148 thereof adopted pursuant to this paragraph, property in a
149 multifamily project that received an exemption pursuant to sub-
150 subparagraph (d)1.a. before the adoption or renewal of such
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HB 675 2026
151 ordinance or resolution may continue to receive such exemption
152 for each subsequent consecutive year that the same owner or each
153 successive owner applies for and is granted the exemption.
154 Section 4. Subsections (9), (10), and (11) of section
155 201.02, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (10),
156 (11), and (12), respectively, and a new subsection (9) is added
157 to that section, to read:
158 201.02 Tax on deeds and other instruments relating to real
159 property or interests in real property.—
160 (9) Taxes imposed by this section do not apply to a deed,
161 transfer, or conveyance that transfers or conveys residential
162 property to a first-time homebuyer for use as a principal
163 residence. For purposes of this subsection, the term "first-time
164 homebuyer" means a person who has not held ownership interest in
165 a principal residence during the 3-year period before the date
166 of purchase of the principal residence and who is a moderate-
167 income person as defined in s. 420.602.
168 Section 5. Subsection (10) is added to section 201.08,
169 Florida Statutes, to read:
170 201.08 Tax on promissory or nonnegotiable notes, written
171 obligations to pay money, or assignments of wages or other
172 compensation; exception.—
173 (10) Taxes imposed by this section do not apply to
174 documents described in subsection (1) that are executed by a
175 first-time homebuyer in connection with the purchase of a
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176 principal residence. For purposes of this subsection, the term
177 "first-time homebuyer" means a person who has not held ownership
178 interest in a principal residence during the 3-year period
179 before the date of purchase of the principal residence and who
180 is a moderate-income person as defined in s. 420.602.
181 Section 6. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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HOUSING, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE
HB 675 by Rep. Driskell
Affordable Housing
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
January 29, 2026
Amendment #788081 by Rep. Driskell (Lines 28-29): The amendment specifies that certain
incentives provided by a county to a developer must be used for the construction of affordable
housing, which mirrors the bill’s requirement for incentives provided by a municipality.
Amendment #933075 by Rep. Driskell (Lines 164-167, 177-180): The amendment revises the
definition of “first-time homebuyer” to mean an individual (and if married, their spouse) who has
not owned a principal residence in the preceding three years, and who is a moderate-income
person, low-income person, or very-low-income person.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 675 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Driskell offered the following:
4
5 Amendment (with title amendment)
6 Between lines 28 and 29, insert:
7 (4) In exchange for a developer fulfilling the requirements
8 of subsection (2) or, for residential or mixed-use residential
9 development, the requirements of subsection (3), a county must
10 provide incentives to fully offset all costs to the developer of
11 its affordable housing contribution or linkage fee. Such
12 incentives may include, but are not limited to:
13 (a) Allowing the developer density or intensity bonus
14 incentives or more floor space than allowed under the current or
15 proposed future land use designation or zoning;
788081 - h0675-line28.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:25:45 PM
Page 1 of 2
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 675 (2026)
Amendment No.
16 (b) Reducing or waiving fees, such as impact fees or water
17 and sewer charges; or
18 (c) Granting other incentives.
19
20 Any incentives provided under this subsection must be used for
21 the construction of affordable housing.
22
23 -----------------------------------------------------
24 T I T L E A M E N D M E N T
25 Remove line 3 and insert:
26 125.010555, F.S.; requiring certain incentives be used
27 for the construction of affordable housing; revising
28 upwards the length of time
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Page 2 of 2
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 675 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Driskell offered the following:
4
5 Amendment
6 Remove lines 164-167 and insert:
7 homebuyer" means any individual if such individual, and if
8 married, such individual's spouse, had no present ownership
9 interest in a principal residence during the 3-year period
10 ending on the date of the purchase of the principal residence
11 and who is a moderate-income person, low-income person, or very-
12 low-income person as defined in s. 420.602.
13
14 Remove lines 177-180 and insert:
15 "first-time homebuyer" means any individual if such individual,
16 and if married, such individual's spouse, had no present
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Page 1 of 2
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 675 (2026)
Amendment No.
17 ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3-year
18 period ending on the date of the purchase of the principal
19 residence and who is a moderate-income person, low-income
20 person, or very-low-income person as defined in s. 420.602.
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Page 2 of 2
HB 827
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 827 COMPANION BILL: SB 856 (DiCeglie)
TITLE: Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Anderson RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Ways & Means Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill requires property visible on a listing platform to include the estimated ad valorem taxes for such property.
The bill requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to annually develop a:
• Formula that may be used by a listing platform to calculate the estimated ad valorem taxes.
• Countywide aggregate average millage rate for each county that may be used by a listing platform.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have an indeterminate, negative fiscal impact on the Department of Revenue and real estate licensees.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill requires property visible on a listing platform to include the estimated ad valorem taxes for such property.
(Section 1)
The bill provides the following definitions: (Section 1)
• "Listing platform” means any public-facing online real property listing platform, including, but not limited
to, websites, web applications, and mobile applications.
• "Property" means residential real property located within Florida.
The bill requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to annually develop a: (Section 1)
• Formula that may be used by a listing platform to calculate the estimated ad valorem taxes.
o DOR must require each property appraiser to provide DOR with any information needed to develop
the formula, including, at a minimum, the county name, tax district code, summary school millage
rate, and summary millage rate for all other applicable taxing authorities.
• Countywide aggregate average millage rate for each county that may be used by a listing platform.
o DOR must require each property appraiser to provide DOR with any information needed to develop
the formula to calculate estimated ad valorem taxes and the countywide aggregate average millage
rate.
The bill provides that if the ad valorem taxes are estimated using a tax estimator or buyer payment calculator, the
current owner's ad valorem assessment or taxes may not be used to calculate the estimated ad valorem taxes. The
listing platform must calculate and display the estimated ad valorem taxes by showing the ad valorem taxes that
would be due if the purchaser were taxed on the listing price of the property at either: (Section 1)
• The current millage rates using the data and formula developed by DOR; or
STORAGE NAME: h0827.HAT
DATE: 1/27/2026
1
HB 827
• The countywide aggregate average millage rate published by DOR using the data collected by DOR from
property appraisers.
The bill provides that the use of the data and formulas from DOR constitutes a reasonable estimate of ad valorem
taxes. The bill requires listing platforms to include a disclaimer on the same website or application as the
estimated ad valorem taxes that the millage rates of applicable taxing authorities may vary within a county and
that the estimated ad valorem taxes do not include all applicable non-ad valorem assessments or exemptions,
discounts, and other tax benefits, including, but not limited to, transfer of the homestead assessment difference.
The ad valorem taxes of the current owner of the property and for any previous year may only be displayed as part
of historical tax information. (Section 1)
However, the bill provides that if ad valorem taxes are not estimated using a tax estimator or buyer payment
calculator, the listing platform must include a link to the property appraiser's tax estimator for the county in which
the property is located, if available, or to such property appraiser's home page. The ad valorem taxes of the current
owner of the property and for any previous year may not be displayed as part of historical tax information. (Section
1)
The bill provides that there is no liability on the part of, and no cause of action of any nature may arise against, a
listing platform or real estate licensee for the accuracy of the estimated ad valorem taxes of a property listed on a
listing platform. (Section 1)
The bill prohibits the current owner's ad valorem taxes from being included within any printed listing materials
concerning a property. (Section 1)
The bill requires DOR to maintain a table of links to each property appraiser's home page and tax estimator, if
available, on its website. Beginning December 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the bill requires DOR to publish
the information, formula, and countywide aggregate average millage rate for each county on its website. (Section
1)
The bill allows DOR to adopt rules to develop the formula to estimate ad valorem taxes and create aggregate
average millage rates for each county. (Section 1)
The bill provides an effective date of February 1, 2027. (Section 2)
RULEMAKING:
The bill allows DOR to adopt rules to develop the formula to estimate ad valorem taxes and create aggregate
average millage rates for each county.
Lawmaking is a legislative power; however, the Legislature may delegate a portion of such power to executive
branch agencies to create rules that have the force of law. To exercise this delegated power, an agency must
have a grant of rulemaking authority and a law to implement.
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have an indeterminate, negative fiscal impact on the Department of Revenue related to generating
formulas, millage information, and rules.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill may have an indeterminate fiscal impact on listing platforms and real estate licensees.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
HB 827
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Online Real Property Listing Platforms
The marketplace for real estate has shifted over time in favor of online listings of property. More than half of all
homebuyers in 2024 found the home they purchased on the internet. 1 There are many large online real estate
platforms such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Redfin. In addition to large platforms, many individual realtors
have websites which include listings of real estate for sale. 2
Additionally, the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in the real estate industry are multi-broker organizations that
create marketplaces for buying, selling, renting, and investing in property. The MLSs establish rules for cooperation
in sharing and selling listings. Real estate brokerages joining an MLS agree to abide by rules when working to sell
other brokers’ listings, and those brokers agree to do the same in return. As of July 2025, there were over 500 MLS
systems in the U.S. 3
Online real property listing platforms are not unified in the information displayed to the user. Some, but not all,
include the property’s public tax history, a link to the county property appraiser’s website, and an estimate of
property taxes. 4
There is currently no requirement that a real property listing platform include a property tax estimate or link to a
property appraiser’s website.
Ad Valorem Taxation
The ad valorem tax, or “property tax,” is an annual tax levied by counties, municipalities, school districts, and some
special districts. The tax is based on the taxable value of property as of January 1 of each year. 5 The property
appraiser annually determines the “just value” 6 of property within the taxing jurisdiction and then applies relevant
exclusions, assessment limitations, and exemptions to determine the property’s “taxable value.” 7 Tax bills are
mailed in November of each year based on the previous January 1 valuation, 8 and payment is due by March 31 of
the following year. 9
1 National Association of Realtors, Quick Real Estate Statistics, July 7, 2024, https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-
statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
2 Id. The National Association of Realtors states that 64% of brokers and broker associates have their own websites, 73% of
sales agents have a website, and 82% of their members have their own listings on their website.
3 Real Estate Standards Organization, What is an MLS and How Many MLSs Are There? Multiple Listing Service FAQ,
https://www.reso.org/mls-faq/ (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
4 For example, Zillow’s website’s mortgage calculator includes estimated property taxes based on the home’s value.
https://www.zillowhomeloans.com/calculators/mortgage-calculator/ (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
5 S. 192.042(1), F.S. Both real property and tangible personal property are subject to tax. Section 192.001(12), F.S., defines
“real property” as land, buildings, fixtures, and all other improvements to land. Section 192.001(11)(d), F.S., defines “tangible
personal property” as all goods, chattels, and other articles of value capable of manual possession and whose chief value is
intrinsic to the article itself.
6 Property must be valued at “just value” for purposes of property taxation, unless the Florida Constitution provides otherwise,
and “just value” has been interpreted by the courts to mean the fair market value that a willing buyer would pay a willing
seller for the property in an arm’s-length transaction. Art. VII, s. 4, Fla. Const.; See Walter v. Shuler, 176 So. 2d 81, 85-86 (Fla.
1965); Deltona Corp. v. Bailey, 336 So. 2d 1163, 1167 (Fla. 1976); Southern Bell Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Dade Cnty, 275 So. 2d 4, 6, 9
(Fla. 1973).
7 See ss. s. 192.001(2), (16), F.S., F.S.
8 S. 197.254(2), F.S.
9 See ss. 197.222, F.S. and 197.162, F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
HB 827
The Florida Constitution prohibits the state from levying ad valorem taxes, 10 and it limits the Legislature’s
authority to provide for property valuations at less than just value, unless expressly authorized. 11
The just valuation standard generally requires the property appraiser to consider the highest and best use of
property; 12 however, the Florida Constitution authorizes certain types of property to be valued based on their
current use (classified use assessments), which often results in lower assessments. Properties that receive
classified use treatment in Florida include agricultural land, land producing high water recharge to Florida’s
aquifers, and land used exclusively for noncommercial recreational purposes; 13 land used for conservation
purposes; 14 historic properties when authorized by the county or municipality; 15 and certain working waterfront
property. 16
Millage is the tax rate defined as the dollars assessed for each $1,000 of value; for example, one mill is one dollar
per $1,000 of assessed value. Taxing authorities include county governments, school boards, water management
districts, special districts and municipalities within a county. Taxing authorities adopt a budget and levy millage
rates for ad valorem taxes to fund that budget. 17
Property Tax Estimates
Estimating an individual’s tax estimate requires several pieces of information, including the parcel’s millage rate,
applicable exemptions, the property’s value, applicable classified property uses, and other assessments on the
property. 18 Some property appraisers include on their website a tool or worksheet to assist homeowners in
estimating property taxes, although there is no statutory requirement that they do so. 19
Disclosure of Ad Valorem Taxes to Prospective Purchasers
Current law governing the disclosure of ad valorem taxes to prospective purchasers of residential property
requires a prospective purchaser to be presented a disclosure summary at or before execution of the contract for
sale. Unless a substantially similar disclosure summary is included in the contract for sale, a separate disclosure
summary must be attached to the contract for sale. The disclosure summary, whether separate or included in the
contract, must be in a form substantially similar to the following: 20
PROPERTY TAX
DISCLOSURE SUMMARY
BUYER SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE SELLER’S CURRENT PROPERTY TAXES AS THE AMOUNT OF
PROPERTY TAXES THAT THE BUYER MAY BE OBLIGATED TO PAY IN THE YEAR SUBSEQUENT TO
PURCHASE. A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS TRIGGERS
REASSESSMENTS OF THE PROPERTY THAT COULD RESULT IN HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES. IF YOU
10 Art. VII, s. 1(a), Fla. Const.
11 See art. VII, s. 4, Fla. Const.
12 S. 193.011(2), F.S.
13 Art. VII, s. 4(a), Fla. Const.
14 Art. VII, s. 4(b), Fla. Const.
15 Art. VII, s. 4(e), Fla. Const.
16 Art. VII, s. 4(j), Fla. Const.
17 Department of Revenue (DOR), A Florida Homeowner’s Guide: Millage,
https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/homeowner_guide_millage.pdf (last visited an. 26, 2026).
18 DOR, Property Tax Information for First-Time Florida Homebuyers,
https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/pt107.pdf (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
19 See, e.g., Miami-Dade County, Tax Estimator,
https://www.miamidade.gov/Apps/PA/PAOnlineTools/Taxes/TaxEstimator.aspx (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
20 S. 689.261(1), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
HB 827
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING VALUATION, CONTACT THE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER’S OFFICE FOR INFORMATION.
Unless included in the contract, the disclosure summary must be provided by the seller. If the disclosure summary
is not included in the contract for sale, the contract for sale must refer to and incorporate by reference the
disclosure summary and include, in prominent language, a statement that the potential purchaser should not
execute the contract until he or she has read the disclosure summary. 21
Department of Revenue
The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) administers three main programs: Child Support Program; General Tax
Administration; and Property Tax Oversight. As part of its duties, DOR: 22
• Reviews the property tax roll for each of Florida's 67 counties every year.
• Oversees the local appraisal and assessment of taxes on more than 11 million parcels of property with a
total value of over $2.7 trillion dollars.
• Collects more than $40 billion a year in taxes and fees.
• Processes more than 9 million tax filings annually.
• Distributes nearly $3 billion dollars in discretionary sales surtax collections each year to local jurisdictions,
including counties, cities, and school districts.
Homestead Property Tax Exemptions
A homestead exemption is a reduction of assessed value, and therefore tax liability, based on the individual’s
maintaining a property as their primary residence. Every person having legal and equitable title to real estate and
who maintains a permanent residence on the real estate (homestead property) is eligible for a $25,000 tax
exemption applicable to all ad valorem tax levies, including levies by school districts. 23 An additional $25,000
exemption applies to homestead property value greater than $50,000; however, this does not apply to ad valorem
taxes levied by school districts. 24 The Florida Constitution also authorizes various additional homestead
exemptions, such as granting a discount from the amount of the ad valorem tax otherwise owed on homestead
property for qualifying disabled veterans. 25
While a homestead exemption may not be transferred when a homestead property owner moves to a new
homestead property, the owner may be able to transfer all or part of the homestead assessment difference. 26 Prior
to 2008, large homestead assessment differences discouraged people from buying new homes in Florida due to
fear of losing their accumulated tax savings, which lead to the “Save Our Homes” 27 Florida constitutional
amendment allowing homesteaders to “port” or transfer their homestead assessment difference to a newly
acquired Florida homestead and lowering the assessed value for the new homestead as described in s. 193.155(8),
F.S. 28
Real Estate Sales Associates, Brokers, and Appraisers
21 S. 689.261(2), F.S.
22 DOR, Quick Facts about the Florida Department of Revenue, https://floridarevenue.com/opengovt/Pages/quick_facts.aspx
(last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
23 Art VII, s. 6(a), Fla. Const., and s. 196.031, F.S.
24 S. 196.031(1)(b), F.S.
25 S. 196.082, F.S. See also, Art. VII, s. 6(d), Fla. Const.; ss. 196.081, 196.091, and 196.102, F.S.
26 Art. VII, s. 4(d)(8), Fla. Const.; S. 193.155(8), F.S.
27 The “Save Our Homes” amendment to the Florida Constitution set a three percent maximum limit on annual valuation
increases of homestead property for ad valorem tax purposes and allowed a person who establishes a new homestead to have
the new homestead assessed at less than just value. Art. VII, s. 4(d)(8), Fla. Const.
28 Evan Berlin, Porting Your Florida Homestead Assessment Difference, Berlin, Patten, Ebling, P.A.,
https://berlinpatten.com/porting-florida-homestead-assessment-difference/ (last visited Jan. 26, 2026).
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
HB 827
Ch. 475, Part I, F.S., provides that the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) at the Department of Business and
Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers and enforces real estate licensing laws applicable to real estate
brokers 29 and sales associates. 30 The FREC may adopt rules to implement statutorily authorized duties and
responsibilities. 31
Ch. 475, Part II, F.S., provides that the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) at DBPR administers and
enforces real estate licensing laws applicable to certified real estate appraisers, 32 licensed real estate appraisers, 33
and registered trainee real estate appraisers. 34 The FREAB may adopt rules to implement statutorily authorized
duties and responsibilities. 35
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Curtin Wright
Subcommittee
Ways & Means Committee
Commerce Committee
29 “Broker” means, in pertinent part, a person who, for another, and for compensation or valuable consideration directly or
indirectly paid or promised, expressly or implied, or with an intent to collect or receive a compensation or valuable
consideration therefor, appraises, auctions, sells, exchanges, buys, rents any real property or an interest in or concerning the
same; or who advertises or holds out to the public by any oral or printed solicitation or representation that she or he is
engaged in such business. S. 475.01(1)(a), F.S.
30 “Sales associate” means a person who performs any act specified in the definition of “broker,” but who performs such act
under the direction, control, or management of another person. S. 475.01(1)(j), F.S.
31 These rules are contained in Rule Ch. 61J2, F.A.C.
32 A “certified general appraiser” means a person who is certified by DBPR as qualified to issue appraisal reports for any type
of real property, and a “certified residential appraiser” means a person who is certified by DBPR as qualified to issue appraisal
reports for residential real property of one to four residential units, without regard to transaction value or complexity, or real
property as may be authorized by federal regulation. S. 475.611(1), F.S.
33 A “licensed appraiser” means a person who is licensed by DBPR as qualified to issue appraisal reports for residential real
property of one to four residential units or on such real estate or real property as may be authorized by federal regulation.
New licenses in this category have not been issued since July 1, 2003. S. 475.611(1), F.S.
34 A “registered trainee appraiser” means a person who is registered with DBPR as qualified to perform appraisal services only
under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser. A registered trainee appraiser may accept appraisal assignments only
from her or his primary or secondary supervisory appraiser. S. 475.611(1), F.S.
35 These rules are contained in Rule Ch. 61J1, F.A.C.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
6
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 827 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to disclosure of estimated ad valorem
3 taxes; amending s. 689.261, F.S.; defining the terms
4 "listing platform" and "property"; requiring certain
5 listings to include estimated ad valorem taxes;
6 prohibiting the current owner's ad valorem taxes from
7 being displayed or used for certain purposes;
8 providing an exception; providing requirements for
9 listing platforms, the Department of Revenue, and
10 property appraisers; providing protection from
11 liability for specified parties who take certain
12 actions; providing construction; prohibiting certain
13 materials from including specified information;
14 requiring, beginning on a specified date, the
15 department to annually publish a formula, countywide
16 aggregate millage rate, and certain information on its
17 website; authorizing the department to adopt rules;
18 providing an effective date.
19
20 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
21
22 Section 1. Subsection (3) is added to section 689.261,
23 Florida Statutes, to read:
24 689.261 Sale of residential property; disclosure of
25 estimated ad valorem taxes to prospective purchaser.—
Page 1 of 4
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hb827-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 827 2026
26 (3)(a) As used in this subsection, the term:
27 1. "Listing platform" means any public-facing online real
28 property listing platform, including, but not limited to,
29 websites, web applications, and mobile applications.
30 2. "Property" means residential real property located
31 within this state.
32 (b) Property visible on a listing platform must include
33 the estimated ad valorem taxes for such property.
34 1. If the ad valorem taxes are estimated using a tax
35 estimator or buyer payment calculator, the current owner's ad
36 valorem assessment or taxes may not be used to calculate the
37 estimated ad valorem taxes. The listing platform must calculate
38 and display the estimated ad valorem taxes by showing the ad
39 valorem taxes that would be due if the purchaser were taxed on
40 the listing price of the property at either:
41 a. The current millage rates using the data and formula
42 published under subparagraph (d)1.; or
43 b. The countywide aggregate average millage rate using the
44 data published under subparagraph (d)2.
45
46 The use of the data and formulas provided in this subparagraph
47 constitutes a reasonable estimate of ad valorem taxes. The
48 listing platform must include a disclaimer on the same website
49 or application as the estimated ad valorem taxes that the
50 millage rates of applicable taxing authorities may vary within a
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hb827-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 827 2026
51 county and that the estimated ad valorem taxes do not include
52 all applicable non-ad valorem assessments or exemptions,
53 discounts, and other tax benefits, including, but not limited
54 to, transfer of the homestead assessment difference under s. 4,
55 Art. VII of the State Constitution. The ad valorem taxes of the
56 current owner of the property and for any previous year may only
57 be displayed as part of historical tax information.
58 3. If ad valorem taxes are not estimated using a tax
59 estimator or buyer payment calculator as provided in sub-
60 paragraph 2., the listing platform shall include a link to the
61 property appraiser's tax estimator for the county in which the
62 property is located, if available, or to such property
63 appraiser's home page. The ad valorem taxes of the current owner
64 of the property and for any previous year may not be displayed
65 as part of historical tax information. The Department of Revenue
66 must maintain a table of links to each property appraiser's home
67 page and tax estimator, if available, on its website.
68 4. There shall be no liability on the part of, and no
69 cause of action of any nature shall arise against a listing
70 platform or licensee under chapter 475 for the accuracy of the
71 estimated ad valorem taxes of a property listed on a listing
72 platform.
73 (c) The current owner's ad valorem taxes may not be
74 included within any printed listing materials concerning a
75 property.
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hb827-00
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 827 2026
76 (d) The Department of Revenue shall annually develop a:
77 1. Formula that may be used by a listing platform to
78 calculate the estimated ad valorem taxes required under sub-
79 subparagraph (b)1.a. The department shall require each property
80 appraiser to provide the department with any information needed
81 to develop the formula, including, at a minimum, the county
82 name, tax district code, summary school millage rate, and
83 summary millage rate for all other applicable taxing
84 authorities.
85 2. Countywide aggregate average millage rate for each
86 county that may be used by a listing platform as required under
87 sub-subparagraph (b)1.b.
88
89 The department shall require each property appraiser to provide
90 the department with any information needed to develop formula
91 under this subparagraph 1., and the countywide aggregate average
92 millage rate under this subparagraph 2. Beginning December 15,
93 2026, and annually thereafter, the department shall publish the
94 information, formula, and countywide aggregate average millage
95 rate for each county collected pursuant to this paragraph on its
96 website.
97 (e) The Department of Revenue may adopt rules to implement
98 paragraph (d).
99 Section 2. This act shall take effect February 1, 2027.
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hb827-00
HOUSING, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE
HB 827 by Rep. Anderson
Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
January 29, 2026
Amendment #032127 by Rep. Anderson (Line 58): The amendment corrects a technical
error.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 827 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Anderson offered the following:
4
5 Amendment
6 Remove lines 58-68 and insert:
7 2. If ad valorem taxes are not estimated using a tax
8 estimator or buyer payment calculator as provided in sub-
9 paragraph 1., the listing platform shall include a link to the
10 property appraiser's tax estimator for the county in which the
11 property is located, if available, or to such property
12 appraiser's home page. The ad valorem taxes of the current owner
13 of the property and for any previous year may not be displayed
14 as part of historical tax information. The Department of Revenue
15 must maintain a table of links to each property appraiser's home
16 page and tax estimator, if available, on its website.
032127 - h0827-line58.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:45:09 PM
Page 1 of 2
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 827 (2026)
Amendment No.
17 3. There shall be no liability on the part of, and no
032127 - h0827-line58.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:45:09 PM
Page 2 of 2
HB 1497
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 1497 COMPANION BILL: SB 1706 (Pizzo)
TITLE: My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program LINKED BILLS: None
SPONSOR(S): Hunschofsky RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism State Administration Budget Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill expands the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (Program) to association properties and
condominium properties across the state, removing the provisions that limited participation in the Program to
associations located 15 miles inward of a coastline.
However, the bill adds additional limitations on which types of condominium associations may participate in the
Program to:
• Condominium associations in which the structure or buildings on the condominium property were
constructed before January 1, 2008; and
• Condominium associations in which at least 80 percent of the occupied units within the condominium are
owned or occupied by a person or family whose annual income is at or below 80 percent of the area median
income.
The bill requires the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to adopt rules establishing acceptable methods for
verifying household income, including, but not limited to, owner self-certification, tax returns, income statements,
or other documentation deemed sufficient by DFS. The bill allows a condominium with mixed-income occupancies
to participate in the Program if the income threshold specified by the bill is otherwise satisfied.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill has an indeterminate impact on state government and the private sector.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill makes changes to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (Program). (Section 1.)
Program Eligibility
The bill removes the definition of “service area” and references thereto in the definitions of “association property,”
“condominium property,” and “property” for purposes of the Program. This change effectively opens the Program
to association properties and condominium properties across the state, rather than limiting the Program to
association properties and condominium properties located 15 miles inward of a coastline. 1 (Section 1.)
1 “Coastline” means the line of mean low water along the portion of the coast that is in direct contact with the open sea and the
line marking the seaward limit of inland waters, as determined under the Convention on Territorial Seas and the Contiguous
Zone, 15 U.S.T. (Pt. 2) 1606. See s. 376.031(4), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h1497.HAT
DATE: 1/27/2026
1
HB 1497
The bill adds additional limitations on which condominium associations (COAs) may participate in the Program to:
• COAs in which the structures or buildings on the condominium property were constructed before January
1, 2008.
• COAs in which at least 80 percent of the occupied units within the condominium are owned or occupied by
a person or family whose annual income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income, as adjusted
for household size and applicable to the county in which the condominium is located. (Section 1.)
The bill defines “area median income” (AMI) as the median household income published annually by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, for the county in which a condominium property is located. The
bill specifies that the eligibility of an applicant’s AMI must be determined using the AMI published at the time an
application is submitted. (Section 1.)
For purposes of determining whether a COA meets the 80 percent unit-occupied threshold, the bill specifies that:
• The eligibility of an applicant must be determined using the AMI published at the time an application is
submitted.
• Only occupied residential units may be counted.
• Both owner-occupied and tenant-occupied residential units may be counted as long as the persons or
families living in such residential units provide income documentation to the Department of Financial
Services (DFS), and DFS has verified that such person or family meets the income requirements specified
by the bill. (Section 1.)
The bill requires DFS to adopt rules establishing acceptable methods for verifying household income, including, but
not limited to, owner self-certification, tax returns, income statements, or other documentation deemed sufficient
by DFS. The bill authorizes DFS to require periodic recertification of income eligibility to ensure compliance with
the Program’s requirements. (Section 1.)
The bill provides that a condominium with mixed-income occupancies is eligible to participate in the Program if
the income threshold described above is met. (Section 1.)
Mitigation Grants
The bill adds to the information that must be included in an application for a mitigation grant to include
documentation deemed sufficient by DFS for verifying household income. (Section 1.)
The bill specifies that grant funds may only be awarded for a mitigation improvement that addresses the common
elements of the condominium property, rather than a mitigation improvement that will result in a mitigation
credit, discount, or other rate differential for the building or structure to which the improvement is made. (Section
1.)
The bill clarifies that, as a condition of receiving a grant, a COA must complete 100 percent of the opening
protection improvements to the common elements which were recommended in the final hurricane mitigation
inspection report, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights that are part of the common
elements. (Section 1.)
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2026. (Section 2.)
RULEMAKING:
The bill requires DFS to adopt rules establishing acceptable methods for verifying household income for purposes
of Program eligibility, which may include, but is not limited to, owner self-certification, tax returns, income
statements, or other documentation deemed sufficient by DFS.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
HB 1497
Lawmaking is a legislative power; however, the Legislature may delegate a portion of such power to executive
branch agencies to create rules that have the force of law. To exercise this delegated power, an agency must
have a grant of rulemaking authority and a law to implement.
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
While the Program is subject to annual appropriations, the bill likely has no fiscal impact on state government. The
Program was funded in fiscal year 2024-2025 through a nonrecurring appropriation of $30 million from the
General Revenue Fund ($27,636,000 for grants; $600,000 for inspections; and $1,764,000 for operations and
administration). A request for a formal agency analysis was submitted to DFS on January 16, 2026.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill has an indeterminate positive impact on condominium associations in Florida that are not located within
15 miles inward of a coastline, as the bill make such condominium associations eligible for the Program, provided
that such associations meet the new income requirements specified by the bill.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
The Legislature created the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (Program) within the Department of
Financial Services (DFS) in 2024. 2 The Program received a nonrecurring appropriation of $30 million from the
General Revenue Fund. 3 The Program provides to condominium associations a program similar to that of the My
Safe Florida Home Program for single-family, detached residential properties and townhomes. 4 Implementation of
the Program is subject to annual legislative appropriations. 5
The Program supports eligible condominium associations by providing free inspections and grant funding for wind
mitigation improvements, which may have the added benefit of lowering wind insurance premiums. The Program
is limited to condominiums 6 located in the “service area,” which is the area of the state within 15 miles inward of a
coastline. 7
In its 2024 report on the Program, DFS issued the following findings:
• Tidal Basin was selected to run the Program on August 1, 2024.
• The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors was selected on November 12, 2024, as the
inspection company to conduct the inspections.
• Tidal Basin launched the Program’s online portal and allowed associations to begin completing applications
for inspections, but not grants, on November 14, 2024.
2 Chapter 2024-108, Laws of Fla.
3 Specific Appropriations 2375A, 2375B, and 2375C of the General Appropriations Act, ch. 2024-231, Laws of Fla. ($27,636,000
for grants; $600,000 for inspections; and $1,764,000 for operations and administration).
4 See s. 215.5586, F.S.
5 Id.
6 For purposes of the Program, “condominium” is currently defined as that form of ownership of real property created
pursuant to the Florida Condominium Act, ch. 718, F.S., which is comprised entirely of units that may be owned by one or more
persons, and in which there is, appurtenant to each unit, an undivided share in common elements. Ss. 215.55871(1)(d) and
718.103(12), F.S.
7 “Coastline” means the line of mean low water along the portion of the coast that is in direct contact with the open sea and the
line marking the seaward limit of inland waters, as determined under the Convention on Territorial Seas and the Contiguous
Zone, 15 U.S.T. (Pt. 2) 1606. S. 376.031(4), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
HB 1497
• The online application portal opened on November 14, 2024, and closed on November 19, 2024, closing
within five days of being opened due to funding capacity.
• 174 completed applications were received within the first three days; 165 requests were approved.
• Grant awards are issued upon the completion of inspections. 8
In its 2025 report on the Program, DFS issued the following findings:
• A second funding round opened on August 18, 2025, during which approximately 1,600 notification emails
were sent to registered associations.
• After the first 168 applications were processed, the second-round opening resulted in 56 additional
applications, representing 106 buildings with 4,535 residential units, which triggered portal closure within
one hour due to funding capacity.
• As of January 2026, approximately 700 initial inspections have been completed across 206 associations,
and 42 condominium associations have been fully approved for grants. 9
Condominium Associations and Unit Owners
Participation in the Program is limited to structures or buildings on condominium property which are three or
more stories in height, provided that each structure or building that is the subject of a mitigation grant contains at
least two single-family dwellings. 10
To apply for an inspection of association or condominium property under the Program, the association must
receive approval by a majority vote of the board or a majority vote of the total voting interests of the association. 11
To apply for a grant which improves one or more units within a condominium, the association must receive both of
the following:
• Approval by a majority vote of the board, or a majority vote of the total voting interests of the association,
to participate in a mitigation grant; and
• Approval by at least 75 percent of all unit owners who reside within the structure or building that is the
subject of a mitigation grant. 12
Associations may vote to participate in the Program at the annual budget meeting or a unit owner meeting called
for that purpose. 13 The association must provide unit owners with clear disclosure of the Program prior to taking a
vote on the issue. 14 The president and treasurer of the board are required to sign the disclosure form indicating a
copy of the disclosure form was provided to each unit owner. 15
An association may not apply for an inspection or grant for association property or condominium property unless
the association has complied with milestone inspection requirements 16 and structural integrity reserve
requirements. 17 Additionally, an association may not apply for a grant for association property or condominium
property unless the windows of the association property or condominium property are established as common
elements in the association’s declaration. 18
8 Email from Morgan Husbands, Deputy Director of Policy, Department of Financial Services (DFS), RE: My Safe Florida
Condominium Pilot Activities Report (Jan. 30, 2025).
9 Email from Morgan Husbands, Deputy Director of Policy, DFS, RE: My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program 2025 Annual Report
(Jan. 16, 2026), (on file with the Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism Subcommittee).
10 S. 215.55871(2)(a), F.S.
11 S. 215.55871(2)(b), F.S.
12 Id.
13 S. 215.55871(2)(d), F.S.
14 Id.
15 Id.
16 See s. 553.899, F.S.
17 See s. 718.112(2)(g) and (h), F.S. S. 215.55871(2)(b), F.S.
18 S. 215.55871(2)(b), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
HB 1497
Hurricane Mitigation Inspectors
Only a licensed inspector may perform inspections of a condominium property under the Program. 19 The licensed
inspector must determine the mitigation measures that are needed, the insurance premium discounts that may be
available, and identify which improvements may be taken to mitigate hurricane damage. 20 DFS must contract with
wind certification entities to provide the inspections. 21 Eligible wind certification entities must, at a minimum:
• Use inspectors who are licensed or certified as:
o A building inspector under s. 468.607, F.S.; 22
o A general, building, or residential contractor under s. 489.111, F.S.; 23
o A professional engineer under s. 471.015, F.S.; 24
o A professional architect under s. 481.213, F.S.; 25 or
o A home inspector under s. 468.8314, F.S., 26 who has completed at least three hours of hurricane
mitigation training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, 27 which must include
hurricane mitigation techniques, compliance with the uniform mitigation verification form, and
completion of a proficiency exam;
• Use inspectors who have undergone drug testing and a background screening that includes submission and
processing of fingerprints; and
• Provide a quality assurance program, including a reinspection component. 28
Hurricane Mitigation Inspections
Hurricane mitigation inspections provided to a condominium association, must, at a minimum, include:
• An inspection of the property, and a report that summarizes the results of the inspection and identifies
recommended improvements the association may take to mitigate hurricane damage;
• A range of cost estimates regarding the recommended mitigation improvements; and
• Information regarding estimated insurance premium discounts, correlated to the current mitigation
features and the recommended mitigation improvements identified by the inspection. 29
An application for an inspection must contain a signed or electronically verified statement, made under penalty of
perjury by a board’s president, that the association has submitted only a single application for each property that
the association operates or maintains. 30 An association may apply for and receive an inspection without also
applying for a grant. 31
19 S. 215.55871(3), F.S.
20 S. 215.55871(3)(a), F.S.
21 S. 215.55871(3)(b), F.S.
22 S. 468.607, F.S., relates to certification of building code administration and inspection personnel.
23 S. 489.111, F.S., relates to licensure by examination for certain contractors, including, but not limited to, residential
contractors, building contractors, air-conditioning contractors, and swimming pool servicing contractors.
24 S. 471.015, F.S., relates to licensure of engineers.
25 S. 481.213, F.S., relates to licensure of architects and interior designers.
26 S. 468.8314, F.S., relates to licensure of home inspectors.
27 The Construction Industry Licensing Board, housed within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, is
responsible for licensing and regulating the construction industry in Florida. See Department of Business and Professional
Regulation, Construction Industry, https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/ (last visited Jan. 27, 2026). See
also s. 489.107, F.S.
28 S. 215.5587(3)(b), F.S.
29 S. 215.55871(4)(a), F.S.
30 S. 215.55871(4)(b), F.S.
31 S. 215.55871(4)(c), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
HB 1497
Mitigation Grants
Grants must be used by associations to make improvements recommended by an inspection which increases the
condominium property’s resistance to hurricane damage. 32 An application for a grant must:
• Contain a signed or electronically verified statement made under penalty of perjury by the president of the
board that the association has submitted only a single application for each property that the association
operates or maintains;
• Include a notarized statement from the president that contains the name and license number of the
contractor it intends to use for the mitigation project; and
• Include a notarized statement from the president which commits to DFS that the association will complete
the mitigation improvements. If the grant will be used to improve units, the application must also include
an acknowledged statement from each unit owner who is required to provide approval for a grant. 33
An association may select its own contractor for the mitigation project as long as the contractor meets all
qualification, certification, or licensing requirements under current law. 34 A mitigation project must be performed
by a properly licensed contractor who has secured all local permits required for the project. 35 DFS must
electronically verify that the contractor’s state license number is accurate and up to date before approving a grant
application. 36
All grants must be matched on the basis of $1 provided by the association for $2 provided by the state toward the
actual cost of the project. 37 An association may receive grant funds for both roof-related and opening protection-
related projects, but the total grant award may not exceed $175,000 per association. 38 DFS may not accept grant
applications or maintain a waiting list for grants after the cumulative value of the grants awarded have fully
obligated the appropriation, unless otherwise expressly authorized by the Legislature. 39
An association awarded a grant must complete the entire mitigation project in order to receive the final grant
award, and must agree to make the property available for a final inspection once the mitigation project is
completed. 40 The mitigation project must be completed in a manner consistent with the intent of the Program and
must meet or exceed applicable Florida Building Code requirements. 41 The association must submit a request to
DFS for a final inspection, or request an extension of time, within one year after receiving grant approval;
otherwise the application is deemed abandoned and the grant money reverts back to DFS. 42
Grant funds may only be used for water intrusion mitigation devices or mitigation improvements that will result in
a mitigation credit, discount, or other rate differential for the building or structure to which such device or
improvement is applied or made. 43 When recommended by a hurricane mitigation inspection report, grants may be
used for the following improvements:
• Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights;
• Roof improvements, including reinforcing roof-to-wall connections, improving the strength of roof-deck
attachment, installing secondary water resistance for a roof, and replacing a roof’s covering. 44
32 S. 215.55871(5), F.S.
33 S. 215.55871(5)(a), F.S.
34 S. 215.55871(5)(b), F.S.
35 Id.
36 Id.
37 S. 215.55871(5)(d)1., F.S.
38 S. 215.55871(5)(d)2., F.S.
39 S. 215.55871(5)(d)3., F.S.
40 S. 215.55871(5)(c), F.S.
41 Id.
42 Id.
43 S. 215.55871(5)(e), F.S.
44 Id.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
6
HB 1497
For an association to receive grant funds, improvements must be identified in the final hurricane mitigation
inspection. 45 If improvements to protect the property which complied with the current applicable building code at
the time have been previously installed, the association must use a mitigation grant to install improvements that
do both of the following:
• Comply with or exceed the applicable building code in effect at the time the association applied for the
grant; and
• Provide more protection than the improvements that the association previously installed. 46
The association may not use a mitigation grant to:
• Install the same type of improvements that were previously installed; or
• Pay a deductible for a pending insurance claim for damage that is part of the property for which grant
funds are being received. 47
As a condition to awarding a grant, DFS must require mitigation improvements to be made to all openings
(including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights), if doing so is necessary for a building or structure
to qualify for a mitigation credit, discount or other rate differential. 48
Contract Management
DFS is charged with developing a process that ensures the most efficient means to collect and verify eligibility for
grant applications, and may direct hurricane mitigation inspectors to collect and verify grant application
information or use the internet or other electronic means to collect information and determine eligibility. 49 DFS
may contract with third parties for grant management, inspection services, contractor services, information
technology, educational outreach, and auditing services. 50 Such contracts are:
• Considered direct costs of the Program and are not subject to administrative cost limits. 51
• Must be with providers that have a demonstrated record of successful business operations in areas directly
related to the services to be provided and must ensure the highest accountability for use of state funds. 52
DFS is required to implement a quality assurance and reinspection program that determines whether initial
inspections and mitigation improvements are completed in a manner consistent with the intent of the Program. 53
DFS may use a valid random sampling in order to perform the quality assurance portion of the Program. 54
Reports
By February 1 of each year, DFS must submit a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
of Representatives on the activities of the Program and the use of state funds. 55 The report must include:
• The number of inspections requested;
• The number of inspections performed;
• The number of grant applications received;
• The number of grants approved and the monetary value of each grant;
• The estimated average annual amount of insurance premium discounts each association received and the
total estimated annual amount of insurance premium discounts received by all associations participating in
the Program; and
45 S. 215.55871(7)(f), F.S.
46 S. 215.55871(5)(g)1., F.S.
47 S. 215.55871(5)(h), F.S.
48 S. 215.55871(5)(j), F.S.
49 S. 215.55871(5)(j), F.S.
50 S. 215.55871(6)(a), F.S.
51 Id.
52 Id.
53 S. 215.55871(6)(b), F.S.
54 Id.
55 S. 215.55871(7), F.S.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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HB 1497
• The estimated average annual amount of insurance premium discounts each unit owner received as a
result of the improvements to the building or structure. 56
RECENT LEGISLATION:
YEAR BILL #/SUBJECT HOUSE/SENATE SPONSOR(S) OTHER INFORMATION
2024 CS/CS/CS/HB 1029 - My Safe Florida Lopez, V., Hunschofsky/ DiCeglie Created the Program.
Condominium Pilot Program Approved by the Governor.
2025 CS/CS/HB 393 - My Safe Florida Lopez, V., Hunschofsky/ Leek Amended certain provisions
Condominium Pilot Program under the Program. Approved
by the Governor.
OTHER RESOURCES:
My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
BILL HISTORY
STAFF
DIRECTOR/ ANALYSIS
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE POLICY CHIEF PREPARED BY
Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Curtin Fletcher
Subcommittee
State Administration Budget
Subcommittee
Commerce Committee
56 Id.
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8
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
HB 1497 2026
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to the My Safe Florida Condominium
3 Pilot Program; amending s. 215.55871, F.S.; defining
4 the term "area median income"; removing the definition
5 of the term "service area"; revising eligibility
6 requirements for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot
7 Program; requiring the Department of Financial
8 Services to adopt rules to verify household income;
9 authorizing condominiums with mixed-income occupancies
10 to participate in the pilot program under certain
11 circumstances; requiring an application for a
12 mitigation grant to include documentation to verify
13 household income; limiting the award of grant funds;
14 requiring an association to complete a certain
15 percentage of opening protection improvements;
16 providing an effective date.
17
18 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
19
20 Section 1. Subsections (1) and (2) and paragraphs (a) and
21 (j) of subsection (5) of section 215.55871, Florida Statutes,
22 are amended to read:
23 215.55871 My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program.—There
24 is established within the Department of Financial Services the
25 My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to be implemented
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26 pursuant to appropriations. The department shall provide fiscal
27 accountability, contract management, and strategic leadership
28 for the pilot program, consistent with this section. This
29 section does not create an entitlement for associations or unit
30 owners or obligate the state in any way to fund the inspection
31 or retrofitting of condominiums in the state. Implementation of
32 this pilot program is subject to annual legislative
33 appropriations. It is the intent of the Legislature that the My
34 Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program provide licensed
35 inspectors to perform inspections for and grants to eligible
36 associations as funding allows.
37 (1) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
38 (a) "Area median income" means the median household
39 income, as published annually by the United States Department of
40 Housing and Urban Development, for the county in which the
41 condominium property is located.
42 (b)(a) "Association" has the same meaning as in s.
43 718.103.
44 (c)(b) "Association property" means property, real and
45 personal, which is owned or leased by, or is dedicated by a
46 recorded plat to, an association for the use and benefit of its
47 members and is located in the service area.
48 (d)(c) "Board of administration" has the same meaning as
49 in s. 718.103.
50 (e)(d) "Condominium" has the same meaning as in s.
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51 718.103. For purposes of this section, the term does not include
52 detached units on individual parcels of land.
53 (f)(e) "Condominium property" means the lands, leaseholds,
54 and personal property that are subjected to condominium
55 ownership, whether or not contiguous, and all improvements
56 thereon and all easements and rights appurtenant thereto
57 intended for use in connection with the condominium and are
58 located in the service area.
59 (g)(f) "Department" means the Department of Financial
60 Services.
61 (h)(g) "Property" means association property and
62 condominium property, as applicable, located in the service
63 area.
64 (h) "Service area" means the area of the state which is 15
65 miles inward of a coastline, as that term is defined in s.
66 376.031.
67 (i) "Unit" has the same meaning as in s. 718.103.
68 (j) "Unit owner" has the same meaning as in s. 718.103.
69 (2) PARTICIPATION.—
70 (a) Participation in the pilot program is limited to:
71 1. Condominium associations in which the structures or
72 buildings on the condominium property were constructed before
73 January 1, 2008.
74 2. Condominium associations in which at least 80 percent
75 of the occupied units within the condominium are owned or
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76 occupied by a person or family whose annual income is at or
77 below 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for
78 household size, applicable to the county in which the
79 condominium is located. Eligibility must be determined using the
80 area median income published at the time an application is
81 submitted. For purposes of determining if a condominium
82 association meets the 80 percent unit-occupied threshold:
83 a. Only occupied residential units may be counted.
84 b. Both owner-occupied and tenant-occupied residential
85 units may be counted as long as the persons or families living
86 in such residential units provide income documentation to the
87 department and the department has verified that such person or
88 family meets the income requirements of this subparagraph.
89 3. Structures or buildings on the condominium property
90 which are three or more stories in height, provided that each
91 structure or building that is the subject of a mitigation grant
92 contains at least two single-family dwellings.
93 (b) The department shall adopt rules establishing
94 acceptable methods for verifying household income, including,
95 but not limited to, owner self-certification, tax returns,
96 income statements, or other documentation deemed sufficient by
97 the department. The department may require periodic
98 recertification of income eligibility to ensure compliance with
99 this section.
100 (c) A condominium with mixed-income occupancies is
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101 eligible to participate in the pilot program under this section
102 if the income threshold in subparagraph (a)2. is met.
103 (d)(b) In order to apply for an inspection under
104 subsection (4) or a grant under subsection (5) for association
105 property or condominium property, an association must receive
106 approval by a majority vote of the board of administration or a
107 majority vote of the total voting interests of the association
108 to participate in the pilot program. An association may not
109 apply for an inspection under subsection (4) or a grant under
110 subsection (5) for association property or condominium property
111 unless the association has complied with the inspection
112 requirements in ss. 553.899 and 718.112(2)(g) and (h). An
113 association may not apply for a grant under subparagraph
114 (5)(e)1. for association property or condominium property unless
115 the windows of the association property or condominium property
116 are established as common elements in the declaration.
117 (e)(c) In order to apply for a grant under subsection (5)
118 which improves one or more units within a condominium, an
119 association must receive both of the following:
120 1. Approval by a majority vote of the board of
121 administration or a majority vote of the total voting interests
122 of the association to participate in a mitigation inspection.
123 2. Approval by at least 75 percent of all unit owners who
124 reside within the structure or building that is the subject of
125 the mitigation grant.
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126 (f)(d) A unit owner may participate in the pilot program
127 through a mitigation grant awarded to the association but may
128 not participate individually in the pilot program.
129 (g)(e) The votes required under this subsection may take
130 place at the annual budget meeting of the association or at a
131 unit owner meeting called for the purpose of taking such vote.
132 Before a vote of the unit owners may be taken, the association
133 must provide to the unit owners a clear disclosure of the pilot
134 program on a form created by the department. The president and
135 the treasurer of the board of administration must sign the
136 disclosure form indicating that a copy of the form was provided
137 to each unit owner of the association. The signed disclosure
138 form and the minutes from the meeting at which the unit owners
139 voted to participate in the pilot program must be maintained as
140 part of the official records of the association. Within 14 days
141 after an affirmative vote to participate in the pilot program,
142 the association must provide written notice in the same manner
143 as required under s. 718.112(2)(d) to all unit owners of the
144 decision to participate in the pilot program.
145 (5) MITIGATION GRANTS.—Financial grants may be used by
146 associations to make improvements recommended in a hurricane
147 mitigation inspection report which increase the condominium's
148 resistance to hurricane damage.
149 (a) An application for a mitigation grant must:
150 1. Contain a signed or electronically verified statement
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151 made under penalty of perjury by the president of the board of
152 administration that the association has submitted only a single
153 application for each property that the association operates or
154 maintains.
155 2. Include a notarized statement from the president of the
156 board of administration containing the name and license number
157 of each contractor the association intends to use for the
158 mitigation project.
159 3. Include a notarized statement from the president of the
160 board of administration which commits to the department that the
161 association will complete the mitigation improvements. If the
162 grant will be used to improve units, the application must also
163 include an acknowledged statement from each unit owner who is
164 required to provide approval for a grant under paragraph (2)(d)
165 (2)(c).
166 4. Include documentation deemed sufficient by the
167 department under paragraph (2)(b) for verifying household
168 income.
169 (j) Grant funds may only be awarded for a mitigation
170 improvement that addresses the common elements of the
171 condominium property that will result in a mitigation credit,
172 discount, or other rate differential for the building or
173 structure to which the improvement is made. As a condition of
174 receiving awarding a grant, the association department must
175 complete 100 percent of the opening protection improvements to
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176 the common elements which were recommended in the final
177 hurricane mitigation inspection report require mitigation
178 improvements to be made to all openings, including exterior
179 doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights that are a part of
180 the common elements, if doing so is necessary for the building
181 or structure to qualify for a mitigation credit, discount, or
182 other rate differential.
183 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
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HOUSING, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE
HB 1497 by Rep. Hunschofsky
My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
January 29, 2026
Amendment #638451 by Rep. Hunschofsky (Lines 71-73): The amendment removes the
provision that limits participation in the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program (Program)
to condominium associations with structures or buildings that were constructed before January
1, 2008.
Amendment #558381 by Rep. Hunschofsky (Line 182): The amendment provides that the
bill’s changes to the Program only apply to applications submitted to the Department of
Financial Services on or after July 1, 2026.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 1497 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Hunschofsky offered the following:
4
5 Amendment
6 Remove lines 71-73
7
638451 - h1497-line71.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:37:38 PM
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COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 1497 (2026)
Amendment No.
COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
ADOPTED (Y/N)
ADOPTED AS AMENDED (Y/N)
ADOPTED W/O OBJECTION (Y/N)
FAILED TO ADOPT (Y/N)
WITHDRAWN (Y/N)
OTHER
1 Committee/Subcommittee hearing bill: Housing, Agriculture &
2 Tourism Subcommittee
3 Representative Hunschofsky offered the following:
4
5 Amendment (with title amendment)
6 Between lines 182 and 183, insert:
7 Section 2. The amendments made by this act to s.
8 215.55871, Florida Statutes, apply to inspection and grant
9 applications submitted to the Department of Financial Services
10 by a condominium association on or after July 1, 2026.
11
12 -----------------------------------------------------
13 T I T L E A M E N D M E N T
14 Between lines 15 and 16, insert:
15 providing applicability;
558381 - h1497-line182.docx
Published On: 1/27/2026 5:36:22 PM
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